Biometric Information: Striking a balance between security and privacy
In a recent report, the Irish Council for Bioethics has examined the ethical, social and legal issues associated with the collection and storage of biometric information (PDF). The increase of identity theft has heightened the need for stronger identity verification systems many of which are based on the collection of biometric information that is unique to an individual (for example fingerprint, iris scans, etc.) At the same time, the collection of this type of information has increased the risk of invasion of privacy and improper use of personal information.
... there must be a clear rationale to justify the necessity of using such biometric information.
The Council stated that while biometric technologies can enhance security and protect privacy, they can also have adverse implications for privacy. The Council noted that it may be appropriate to override certain individual rights to benefit the common good, and it expressed concerns that this principle may be overused without justification.
According to the Council, biometrics should be used as a proportionate response to the challenge at hand and that there must be a clear rationale to justify the necessity of using such biometric information.
