Social Impact of Biometric Technology: Myth and Implications of Biometrics: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Biometric system which is based on human physical and behavioral traits is implemented in a versatile field especially national security, wage control, access control, intruder detection and verification, forensic science, etc. Biometrics is more reliable and capable than conventional methods like PIN, token system, etc. because of its unique identity whether physical or behavioral trait verification of each and every person. In recent times, the awareness of biometrics for common man had been limited to its use in spy thrillers or fear instilling instruments of state of corporate surveillance in speculative fiction, forensic or as investigative tools; and was supposed to be ultimate in areas where it was applied. There has been a drastic change in areas where biometrics can be applied. A good biometrics is characterized by use of a feature that is highly unique, so that the chance of any two people having the same characteristic will be minimal; is stable, so that the feature does not change over time; and can be easily captured, in order to provide convenience to the user and prevent misrepresentation of the feature. Biometric identifications are harder to steal than other traditional traits.

Every innovation faces social, cultural, and legal constraints. These constraints influence the acceptance of system by clients, its throughput, or the decision to utilize biometrics as a primary security tool. Therefore, these constraints are especially considered to design framework. Effectiveness and acceptability of biometrics depend upon the social and cultural values of users’ population. Innovators, designers, or manufacturers try to make a system user-friendly and user acceptable; also it is considered to minimize the effect of constraints. Both acceptability and effectiveness of system can be improved by analyzing and by delivering social and legal issues properly. Consideration of vulnerability determines the integrity and reliability. The present chapter deals with the myths and misrepresentations, vulnerability points, and major concerns of biometrics and challenges, difficulties, and issues of various biometric systems.