Artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric authentication solutions can create a powerful and effective tool for establishing a more secure digital ecosystem. In contrast to passwords, biometric verification is non-transferable, unique, and more convenient for users. It is ideal for helping ensure the security of accounts, protect companies, and promote privacy and cybersecurity in the long run.
However, there are also ethical considerations regarding biometric authentication or biometric AI for identity verification. Using biometric data fairly and ethically should be straightforward, but several companies have been put in the spotlight for questionable practices.
Companies such as ID.me, Clearview AI, and Onfido have encountered legal and political trouble in their approaches to using biometric data. As these companies draw the attention of policymakers and the courts regarding AI, it will hopefully lead to better policies on the ethical use and deployment of biometrics to protect rather than exploit users.
The company ID.me was investigated due to allegations of misleading the government about its facial recognition service, specifically on how the company used its biometric data. Senators Ron Wyden, Cory Booker, Edward Markey, and Alex Padilla stated that ID.me’s statements on the use and storage of consumer biometric data may have influenced officials and state agencies in choosing an ID verification provider for government purposes.
Meanwhile, biometric surveillance company Clearview AI has reportedly amassed a database of many photos by scraping the internet unbeknownst to users, including social media websites, and offered paid access to the database to private and government entities worldwide.
Identity verification provider Onfido is another company that struggled with navigating the law around ethical biometric AI. Last April 2022, Onfido was denied a motion to dismiss a complaint under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act or BIPA. The complaint from a plaintiff claims that they were not informed that their photograph would be kept in Onfido’s database.
With these issues around the use of biometric AI comes the question of what ethical AI entails. Ethical AI is built on guiding principles of explicit informed consent in the context it was provided, biometrics belonging to the users, precise and quantifiable controls to provide an excellent experience to all users regardless of age or gender, and other characteristics.
Biometric AI is a very effective way of establishing and protecting consumers’ identities to foster a more secure digital landscape. It is crucial to have concrete legal and policy guidelines in using biometric AI.
For more details about ethical biometrics, here is an article by authID.
Tags: biometric authentication solutions identity verification
