Harnessing scientific and technological innovation in the UK
What is the role of funding, collaboration, skills and policy in harnessing scientific and technological innovation in the UK?
Biometric data is a type of personal information that allows the unique identification of a person. This POSTnote outlines the benefits and risks of using biometric data in society.
Biometric data: Misuse, use, and collation (496 KB , PDF)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58248/PN731
Biometric data is a type of personal information that allows the unique identification of a person.
Physical and physiological biometric data includes information on fingerprints or faceprints, while behavioural biometric data includes information on voiceprints or gait analysis.
Industry estimates suggest that the global “passwordless verification” market was worth over £12.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of £46 billion by 2032. This is mostly due to increased adoption.
Unlike passwords, biometric data is linked to the physical or behavioural characteristics of a person. If stolen, it is impossible for a user to get new biometric characteristics.
Developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have made possible new uses of biometric data, including live facial recognition and emotion analysis. Academics and think tanks have expressed concerns that these new tools could require enhanced individual protections and further regulations.
POST is grateful to Vincent Saverat for researching this briefing, to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for funding his parliamentary fellowship, and to all contributors and reviewers. For further information on this subject, please contact the co-author, Dr Simon Brawley.
POSTnotes are based on literature reviews and interviews with a range of stakeholders and are externally peer-reviewed. POST would like to thank interviewees and peer reviewers for kindly giving up their time during the preparation of this briefing, including:
Members of the POST Board*
Matt Davies, Ada Lovelace Institute
Ian Deasha, Information Commissioner’s Office*
Professor Mark Elliot, University of Manchester
Professor Pete Fussey, University of Essex
Sam Jefferies, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Thomas Jensen, Milestone systems A/S
Dr Nóra Ní Loideáin, Information Law & Policy Centre
Brian Plastow, Scottish Biometrics Commissioner*
Diego Quiroz, Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Office
Dr Birgit Schippers, University of Strathclyde
Bruce Schneier, Harvard Kennedy School
Samuel Stockwell, Alan Turing Institute
Madeleine Stone, Big Brother Watch
Kai Zenner, European Parliament
*denotes people and organisations who acted as external reviewers of the briefing.
Biometric data: Misuse, use, and collation (496 KB , PDF)
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