Biometrics
Biometry (or biometrics) refers to technologies that identify or authenticate individuals based on their biological (fingerprints, iris, DNA) or behavioral traits (voice, gait, typing patterns). AI algorithms are widely used to improve accuracy and robustness.
Main types
- Physiological biometrics: fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scan, DNA.
- Behavioral biometrics: voice recognition, handwriting, typing rhythm, gait analysis.
Applications
- Security & access control: unlocking phones, airport security checks.
- Financial services: secure banking and fraud prevention.
- Healthcare: patient identification, remote monitoring.
- Workplaces: time & attendance systems.
Challenges
- Privacy concerns: sensitive personal data collection.
- Algorithmic bias: performance gaps across demographic groups.
- Spoofing threats: deepfake attacks or fake fingerprints.
Biometrics has become one of the most visible applications of AI in everyday life. From unlocking a smartphone with your face to passing quickly through an airport gate, biometric systems combine convenience with security. Unlike passwords, which can be forgotten or stolen, biometric traits are inherently linked to each individual.
However, this permanence is also a double-edged sword. Biometric data cannot be “reset” once compromised, making privacy and data protection essential. Regulations such as GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California require strict safeguards and user consent.
Recent advances extend biometrics beyond traditional fingerprints or facial recognition. Multimodal systems combine several traits (e.g., face + voice) to improve accuracy and resist spoofing. AI plays a critical role here, as deep learning models can adapt to variations in lighting, background noise, or aging. At the same time, researchers are exploring continuous authentication—monitoring subtle behavioral signals like gait or keystroke rhythm to verify identity throughout a session.
Reference
- Wayman, J. L., Jain, A. K., Maltoni, D., & Maio, D. (2005). Biometric Systems: Technology, Design and Performance Evaluation. Springer.
