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Biometrics

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Encyclopedia of Big Data

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Biometrics refers to measurable and distinct (preferably unique) biological, physiological, or behavioral characteristics. Stored in both commercial and governmental biometric databases, these characteristics are subsequently used to identify and/or label individuals. This entry summarizes common forms of biometrics, their different applications and the societal debate surrounding biometrics, including its connection to big data, as well as its potential benefits and drawbacks.

Typical applications for biometrics include identification in its own right, but also as a measure to verify access privileges. As mentioned, biometrical technologies rely on physiological or, in some cases, behavioral characteristics. Some common physiological biometric identifiers are eye retina and iris scans, fingerprints, palm prints, face recognition and DNA. Behavioral biometric identifiers can include typing rhythm (keystroke dynamics), signature recognition, voice recognition, or gait. While common...

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Further Readings

  • Ajana, B. (2013). Governing through biometrics: The biopolitics of identity. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

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  • Gates, K. (2011). Our biometric future. New York: New York University Press.

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  • Magnet, S. (2011). When biometrics fail. Durham: Duke University Press.

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  • Payton, T., & Claypoole, T. (2014). Privacy in the age of big data. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Media Studies, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

    Jörgen Skågeby

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  1. Jörgen Skågeby
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Correspondence to Jörgen Skågeby .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Policy, Government and International Affairs, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA

    Laurie A. Schintler

  2. School of Policy, Government and International Affairs, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA

    Connie L. McNeely

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Skågeby, J. (2018). Biometrics. In: Schintler, L., McNeely, C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Big Data. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32001-4_26-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32001-4_26-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-32001-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-32001-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Business and ManagementReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

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