Ethical and social consequences of biometric technologies

Abstract

Biometrics can be defined as all the authentication techniques relying on measurable physiological and individual human characteristics that can be verified using computers. This paper outlines fundamental biometric technical concepts, biometrics drivers, security expectations and current technical problems. The paper's main objective is to discuss the potential social and legal consequences of biometric massive implementations in society. What may be the consequences when the security of our biometrics is compromised? How will populations with disabilities be enrolled in biometric databases when they lack the physical traits the biometric system requires? Are minorities disadvantaged in biometric applications? The intellectual significances of this paper are: (a) to discuss social and ethical consequences of biometric technologies, and (b) to increase public awareness of potential violations of privacy, security, civil and human rights that may have not been fully addressed yet by lawmakers. The findings of this paper have been successfully incorporated in courses related with engineering ethics and technology ethics at a senior level and graduate level. Results of these implementations are presented. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.