January 2020
By Ms. Falicia Elenberg, JD
In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the generation of biometric data. There are many reasons for this trend, including the expanding capabilities and benefits of biometric technology and authentication, such as improved security and ease of use. The use of biometric data across industries has become so common that it is estimated that over 75% of consumers have used some type of biometric technology, such as fingerprinting or facial recognition scanning, during their lifetime. Despite the growing trend, the U.S. government has failed to pass proper regulations protecting biometric data, and there are currently no federal laws governing the collection, use, and protection of this category of information. The unrestricted use of biometric technology and data creates a large threat to consumer privacy and national security.
The Potomac Institute seeks to address improve ments to biometric data policy that include privacy and security protections, while simultaneously allowing for research and innovation. This report provides findings on current biometric data practices and vulnerabilities, reviews current domestic policy, identifies shortcomings, and provides our recommendation for a policy approach to biometric data privacy. Ultimately, we suggest that to uphold American citizens’ right to privacy and promote national security, comprehensive federal legislation must be passed that regulates the collection, use, distribution, and security of biometric data.
