Biometric identification has rapidly evolved within information technology due to its ability to authenticate and identify individuals based on physical and behavioral characteristics. This paper explores the ethical considerations in Biometric data usage and its significance to individuals, businesses, IT professionals, and the government.
Several ethical concerns are associated with using biometric identification, including privacy, consent, security, and potential misuse of personal information. Privacy is considered essential with regard to biometric data usage since information is inherently sensitive and irreplaceable. This relates to the European Convention on Human Rights in Article 8, emphasizing the need to protect personal data, including respect for privacy (Deliversky & Deliverska, 2018). Ensuring informed consent, data protection, and preventing unauthorized access are essential to addressing ethical concerns in deploying biometric identification systems.
Several current examples involving biometric identification reveal different ethical concerns, including facial recognition in law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies, including federal and municipal levels worldwide, have adopted facial recognition as a tool for criminal identification. While the technology has contributed significantly to public safety and helped to streamline investigations successfully, several significant ethical concerns surround its implementation (Lee & Chin, 2022). One primary concern is the accuracy of facial recognition algorithms, which in some instances results in misidentification, particularly among people of color, resulting in questions concerning fairness and instances of discriminatory impact on specific demographic groups (Rachels & Rachels (2019). Additionally, law enforcement’s use of facial recognition technology has raised concerns about civil liberties. The mass surveillance abilities of these systems may, at times, interfere with one’s personal information, as in many cases, facial recognition may operate without the explicit consent of those being monitored. Hence, the need for practical law enforcement tools and the protection of citizen’s privacy rights creates ethical concerns that require careful consideration and regulation.
Another example is Biometric Data in Consumer devices. Consumer devices like smartphones and wearables frequently leverage biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, for user authentication (Nabbosa & Kaar, 2020). While these technologies enhance device security and user convenience, ethical concerns arise when companies mishandle or exploit this biometric data commercially. Businesses need to prioritize transparency and obtain explicit consent from users regarding collecting and using their biometric information. Issues can arise when user data is monetized or shared with third parties without adequate disclosure. Maintaining user trust is essential to ensuring security measures to protect biometric data from unauthorized access and misuse; essential responsibility lies with companies to establish clear policies, communicate them effectively, and uphold users’ privacy rights in biometric authentication.
In addition, airport security and biometric screening are crucial examples. Implementing biometric identification systems in airport security processes aims to enhance effectiveness and strengthen security measures. Biometric screening processes have helped fasten passengers’ check-ins, reducing queuing and saving time. The steps involved in the biometric screening begin at the passenger screening checkpoint, where one is required to place all their items on the belt of the X-ray machine, removing electronic items like phones and laptops and placing them on a bin to pick up after checkup of items at the x-ray machine. Passengers undergo other biometric screening processes, including document verification and being X-rayed, all aimed at promoting security (Nabbosa & Kaar, 2020). However, this advancement in technology raises ethical questions about handling sensitive biometric information and the potential for surveillance. One primary concern is the storage and sharing of biometric data collected at airports. Ensuring this information’s secure storage and responsible management is crucial to preventing unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Additionally, using biometric screening raises questions about the extent of government surveillance and the balance between national security interests and individual privacy rights. Striking this balance requires careful consideration of legal frameworks, transparency, and oversight to prevent abuse of biometric data collected at airports.
Biometric identification is vital in several ways to individuals, IT professionals, businesses, and the government. For individuals, biometric identification significantly influences their privacy and personal security (North-Samardzic, 2019). However, individuals must have control over their biometric data and be aware of how they are used to avoid getting into untheorized hands. Additionally, IT professionals play a crucial role in developing and implementing biometric systems. Ensuring the ethical use of biometric technology involves designing secure systems, addressing vulnerabilities, and upholding privacy standards.
Moreover, businesses, including small and large-scale organizations, use biometric identification to run their activities. For example, the transportation industry uses biometric data for airport security, and hotels have also adopted biometric authentication processes by using facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to optimize check-in processes and provide room access (De Keyser et al., 2021). Hence, businesses must promote the ethical use of biometric technology by designing secure systems, addressing vulnerabilities, and upholding privacy standards. Lastly, biometric identification influences the overall activities of the government, making it necessary to establish and enforce regulations that govern the ethical use of biometric identification, balancing the need for security with protecting citizens’ rights. Transparency and accountability are essential in the government’s deployment of biometric systems.
In conclusion, the use of biometric identification presents opportunities and challenges in the field of IT ethics. While its use has been significant to individuals, IT professionals, businesses, and the government, it is essential to address ethical concerns associated with collecting and using biometric data, creating a responsible and trustworthy technology landscape.
References
De Keyser, A., Bart, Y., Gu, X., Liu, S. Q., Robinson, S. G., & Kannan, P. K. (2021). Opportunities and challenges of using biometrics for business: Developing a research agenda. Journal of Business Research, 136, 52–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.07.028
Deliversky, J., & Deliverska, M. (2018). Ethical and Legal Considerations in Biometric Data Usage—Bulgarian Perspective. Frontiers in Public Health, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00025
Lee, N. T., & Chin, C. (2022, April 12). Police surveillance and facial recognition: Why data privacy is imperative for communities of color. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/police-surveillance-and-facial-recognition-why-data-privacy-is-an-imperative-for-communities-of-color/
Nabbosa, V., & Kaar, C. (2020, May). Societal and ethical issues of digitalization. In Proceedings of the 2020 International Conference on Big Data in Management (pp. 118-124).
North-Samardzic, A. (2019). Biometric Technology and Ethics: Beyond Security Applications. Journal of Business Ethics, 167(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04143-6
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