Biometric technology driving the privacy versus ease-of-use controversy
In the early days, the science of Anthropometry was pioneered by Frenchman Alphonse Bertillon, who made measurements of heads to create a unique identification system. His work laid the foundation for the science of identifying individuals based on physical characteristics.
Fast forward to the present, and technology has revolutionised the way we verify identities. Today, giants like Apple and Samsung release over half a million devices daily, each carrying a fingerprint scanner. Biometric markers, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, have become the primary methods used to identify individuals.
However, the concept of identity verification is not as straightforward as it may seem. It varies depending on one's location, making it a complex task with different definitions. In the UK, the system aims to strike a balance between privacy and convenience. The British, known for their guarded approach to personal matters, have traditionally been wary of carrying ID cards. The UK is creating an 'Open Standards Federation', allowing multiple agencies to participate, to mitigate the risk of identity theft and misuse.
The debate between privacy and convenience is a recurring theme in the digital age. The UK's approach is to focus on identification purposes rather than proof of identity. Individuals in the UK have the freedom to choose which agency, such as Google, Facebook, or PayPal, to use for identity verification, giving a sense of ownership.
The idea of the individual and what it means to be one will be as important as the technologies used to identify them and the channels built to connect them together. This is a sentiment shared by Matthew Maxwell, Associate Creative Director at Sapient Nitro.
In the world of fiction, the film Bladerunner presents an intriguing perspective. In this futuristic scenario, memories and the capacity for empathy are the biometric characteristics that are the hardest to fake and closest to who a person really is. Interestingly, the EU eID system, as depicted in the film, is due to go live in 2019.
The legacy of Alphonse Bertillon lives on, not just in the mug shots he invented in 1888, but also in the Parisian police library of photos of individuals known to them. His work continues to inspire, as seen in the admiration of Sherlock Holmes for Bertillon's groundbreaking work.
As we navigate the digital age, the challenges and complexities of identity verification are becoming increasingly apparent. New players like Google, Facebook, and PayPal are entering the scene, making the landscape even more intricate. The journey from Bertillon's anthropometry to the digital age is a testament to the evolving nature of identity verification and the enduring importance of striking the right balance between privacy and convenience.
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