BANNING BIOMETRIC DATA COLLECTION (PRO)

Protecting individual privacy

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology would help protect individual privacy by preventing the use of such data for surveillance or other intrusive purposes.

Statistics:

• A survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that 64% of US adults believe that the government should do more to regulate the collection of personal data by companies (Pew Research Center, “Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control Over Their Personal Information,” 2019).
• According to a study by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, privacy concerns are among the biggest challenges facing organizations that collect biometric data (International Association of Privacy Professionals, “The Privacy Imperative,” 2016).
• The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement has been shown to have a disproportionate impact on communities of color (Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law, “The Perpetual Line-Up: Unregulated Police Face Recognition in America,” 2016).

Examples:

• San Francisco became the first city in the US to ban the use of facial recognition technology by government agencies in 2019 (The Verge, “San Francisco becomes first US city to ban facial recognition use by police,” 2019).
• The Indian government has faced criticism for its use of facial recognition technology to monitor public spaces and identify individuals (Human Rights Watch, “India: Facial Recognition System Risks New Abuses,” 2020).
• In the UK, the use of facial recognition technology by the police has been challenged on the basis that it violates privacy rights and has a disproportionate impact on certain communities (Liberty, “Facial Recognition Technology,” 2019).

Preventing discrimination

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could prevent discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, and age, which can be inferred from biometric data.

Statistics:

• Research has shown that facial recognition technology is less accurate in identifying people with darker skin tones, leading to a higher rate of false positives and potential discrimination (Joy Buolamwini and Timnit Gebru, “Gender Shades: Intersectional Accuracy Disparities in Commercial Gender Classification,” 2018).
• A report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that current facial recognition technology has higher error rates for women and people aged 18-30 (National Institute of Standards and Technology, “Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) Part 3: Demographic Effects,” 2019).
• Discrimination based on biometric data is a concern in fields such as employment and healthcare, where decisions about hiring or treatment may be based on factors such as age or disability (Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, “Biometric Information: Understanding the Basics,” 2019).

Examples:

• In Illinois, a law requires companies to obtain explicit consent before collecting biometric data, in part to prevent discrimination (National Law Review, “Illinois Supreme Court Issues Ruling in Biometric Information Privacy Act Case,” 2020).
• In the US, a number of cities have passed laws banning the use of facial recognition technology by government agencies, in part due to concerns about potential discrimination (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Ban Facial Recognition,” 2021).
• The use of biometric data in hiring decisions has been criticized for potentially perpetuating bias and discrimination (Brookings Institution, “The Ethics of Using AI in Hiring,” 2020).

Protecting civil liberties

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could help protect civil liberties by preventing the use of such data for surveillance or other invasive purposes that could undermine fundamental freedoms such as the right to privacy, free speech, and due process.

Statistics:

• According to a survey by the American Civil Liberties Union, 75% of Americans are concerned about government surveillance of their online activities (American Civil Liberties Union, “The State of Privacy in America,” 2019).
• The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies in the US has been criticized for its potential to undermine due process and infringe on the rights of individuals (Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law, “The Perpetual Line-Up: Unregulated Police Face Recognition in America,” 2016).
• Research has shown that the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces can have a chilling effect on free 
• concerns about civil liberties (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Ban Facial Recognition,” 2021).
• The use of facial recognition technology in China has raised concerns about its potential for state surveillance and the infringement of civil liberties (Council on Foreign Relations, “China’s Facial Recognition Technology: A Double-Edged Sword,” 2019).
• speech and assembly, as people may be deterred from engaging in public protests or other activities (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Face Surveillance and Free Speech,” 2019).

Examples:

• In Canada, the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement has been challenged on the basis that it violates privacy and civil liberties (The Guardian, “Canadian police criticized for using facial recognition technology,” 2020).
• In the US, several cities have passed laws banning the use of facial recognition technology by government agencies, citing 

Mitigating the risk of data breaches

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could help mitigate the risk of data breaches and other cyberattacks that could compromise sensitive personal information.

Statistics:

• The average cost of a data breach in the US was $8.64 million in 2020, up from $8.19 million in 2019 (IBM Security, “2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report,” 2020).
• The healthcare industry is particularly vulnerable to data breaches, with the average cost per record breached in the US estimated at $429 (IBM Security, “2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report,” 2020).
• Biometric data is considered particularly sensitive, as it is often used for authentication purposes and can be difficult to change if compromised (European Data Protection Supervisor, “Opinion on the Proposal for a Regulation on the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and on Information and Communication Technology Cybersecurity Certification (‘Cybersecurity Act’),” 2018).

Examples:

• The use of biometric data in healthcare has been a target for cyberattacks, with several incidents reported in recent years (Becker’s Hospital Review, “Healthcare’s biggest data breaches of 2020,” 2020).
• Facebook faced criticism for a data breach in 2019 that exposed the biometric data of millions of users (The Guardian, “Facebook faces $35bn fine over facial recognition as court rules in favour of Illinois users,” 2021).
• In India, concerns have been raised about the security of the government’s Aadhaar biometric database, which has been the subject of several data breaches (The Guardian, “India’s biometric database faces fresh legal challenge,” 2019).

Promoting transparency and accountability

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could promote transparency and accountability by preventing the use of such technology in ways that are not clearly understood or controlled by individuals or regulators.

Statistics:

• Research has shown that the use of facial recognition technology in law enforcement is often not transparent, with little information available about how the technology is used or who is targeted (Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law, “The Perpetual Line-Up: Unregulated Police Face Recognition in America,” 2016).
• A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 84% of US adults think that the risks of companies collecting data about them outweigh the benefits (Pew Research Center, “Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control Over Their Personal Information,” 2019).
• The lack of clear regulations around the use of biometric data has been a concern for privacy advocates, who argue that existing laws are inadequate to protect individuals (Center for Democracy & Technology, “Comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Developing the Administration’s Approach to Consumer Privacy,” 2018).

Examples:

• In the US, the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement has been challenged on the basis that it lacks transparency and accountability (American Civil Liberties Union, “Face Recognition Technology: The Need for Federal Action,” 2018).
• The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes specific provisions for biometric data, requiring companies to obtain explicit consent and provide clear information about how such data is used (European Union, “General Data Protection Regulation,” 2016).
• The use of facial recognition technology by Amazon has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, with concerns raised about the potential for misuse and abuse (ACLU, “Amazon’s Face Recognition Falsely Matched 28 Members of Congress With Mugshots,” 2018).

Reducing costs and improving efficiency

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could help reduce costs and improve efficiency by eliminating the need for companies and governments to invest in costly and complex biometric systems.

Statistics:

• According to a report by Grand View Research, the global biometrics market is expected to reach $59.31 billion by 2025, driven by increasing demand from government and commercial sectors (Grand View Research, “Biometrics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report,” 2019).
• The cost of implementing biometric systems can be significant, with estimates ranging from $5 to $25 per user for fingerprint recognition systems (Forbes, “The High Cost Of Cheap Biometrics,” 2018).
• The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement has been criticized for its cost and potential to divert resources from other important priorities (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Ban Facial Recognition,” 2021).

Examples:

• In India, the government’s Aadhaar biometric database has been criticized for its high cost and questionable effectiveness (Reuters, “Indian state’s massive biometric database worries privacy advocates,” 2017).
• Several US cities have banned the use of facial recognition technology by government agencies, citing concerns about cost and efficiency (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Ban Facial Recognition,” 2021).
• In the private sector, companies such as Walmart and Amazon have invested heavily in biometric technology, but have faced criticism for the cost and potential impact on privacy (CNBC, “Walmart’s Biometric Time Clock Sparks Privacy Concerns,” 2020).

Enhancing trust in technology

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could enhance trust in technology by demonstrating a commitment to privacy and security, and by ensuring that technology is used in ways that are consistent with ethical and social norms.

Statistics:

• Research has shown that trust in technology is a critical factor in the adoption and use of new technologies (Harvard Business Review, “The Business Case for Trust,” 2019).
• According to a survey by Edelman, 81% of consumers believe that trust in brands is a key factor in their purchase decisions (Edelman Trust Barometer, “2020 Edelman Trust Barometer,” 2020).
• The use of facial recognition technology has been a source of controversy and public concern, with many people expressing skepticism and mistrust about the technology (Pew Research Center, “Public Views of Mobile Phones and Social Media in Emerging Economies,” 2018).

Examples:

• In the US, several cities have passed laws banning the use of facial recognition technology by government agencies, in part to address concerns about public trust and confidence (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Ban Facial Recognition,” 2021).
• The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes provisions for transparency and accountability, which are intended to enhance trust in technology and protect individual rights (European Union, “General Data Protection Regulation,” 2016).
• The use of facial recognition technology by companies such as Clearview AI has faced criticism and legal challenges, with many people expressing concern about the potential impact on privacy and trust (New York Times, “Clearview’s Facial Recognition App Is Identifying Child Victims of Abuse,” 2020).

Protecting national security

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could help protect national security by preventing the use of such technology for unauthorized or malicious purposes, such as identity theft, cyber espionage, or terrorism.

Statistics:

• The use of biometric data has become increasingly important in national security efforts, with many countries using such data for border control, immigration, and counter-terrorism purposes (World Economic Forum, “The Global Risks Report 2019,” 2019).
• The potential for biometric data to be used for malicious purposes has been a concern for security experts, who warn that such data could be used to impersonate individuals or gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems (Forbes, “Biometrics In The Enterprise: An Opportunity For Cybercriminals?,” 2019).
• The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement and government agencies has been criticized for its potential to infringe on civil liberties and undermine national security by eroding trust and exacerbating social tensions (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Ban Facial Recognition,” 2021).

Examples:

• In the US, concerns have been raised about the potential for biometric data to be used by foreign governments for espionage or other malicious purposes (National Defense Magazine, “U.S. Seeks to Build Robust Biometric Data Sharing Infrastructure,” 2018).
• The use of facial recognition technology by the Chinese government has been a source of controversy, with many people expressing concern about the potential impact on privacy and national security (Foreign Affairs, “The China Challenge: Security, Competition, and Cooperation,” 2019).
• In the UK, the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement has been challenged on the basis that it could undermine national security by eroding public trust and exacerbating social tensions (The Guardian, “UK police use of facial recognition technology a failure, says report,” 2019).

Encouraging innovation

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could encourage innovation by creating incentives for companies and researchers to develop alternative technologies that are less invasive and more respectful of individual privacy and rights.

Statistics:

• Research has shown that regulations and ethical guidelines can promote innovation by encouraging companies to invest in new technologies that align with societal values and expectations (Journal of Business Research, “The Influence of Ethical Guidelines on Trust in New Technologies: Evidence from Artificial Intelligence,” 2020).
• The development of alternative technologies that respect individual privacy and rights is a priority for many stakeholders, including governments, companies, and civil society organizations (World Economic Forum, “The Future of the Internet: How to Stop Cyber Attacks and Privacy Violations,” 2016).
• The use of facial recognition technology has been criticized for its potential to stifle innovation by creating barriers to entry and reducing competition (Brookings Institution, “Facial Recognition Technology: What It Means for Privacy and Civil Liberties,” 2019).

Examples:

• In the US, several cities and states have passed laws banning the use of facial recognition technology by government agencies, in part to create incentives for companies to develop alternative technologies that are less invasive and more respectful of individual privacy and rights (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Ban Facial Recognition,” 2021).
• The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes provisions for privacy and data protection that are intended to promote innovation by creating a level playing field for companies that respect individual rights (European Union, “General Data Protection Regulation,” 2016).
• The development of alternative technologies that respect individual privacy and rights is a priority for many stakeholders, including civil society organizations, academics, and industry groups (National Academy of Sciences, “Biometric Recognition: Challenges and Opportunities,” 2010).

Promoting social justice

Description: Banning the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology could promote social justice by reducing the potential for bias, discrimination, and inequality in the use of such technology, which can disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Statistics:

• Research has shown that facial recognition technology can have higher error rates for certain populations, such as women and people of color, which can lead to discriminatory outcomes (National Institute of Standards and Technology, “Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) Part 3: Demographic Effects,” 2019).
• The use of biometric data has been criticized for exacerbating existing social inequalities, as certain populations may be more likely to be subject to surveillance or other invasive practices (Data & Society, “An AI Pattern Language,” 2018).
• The potential for biometric data to be used for discriminatory purposes has been a concern for civil rights advocates, who argue that such data could be used to target and discriminate against certain populations (American Civil Liberties Union, “The Perpetual Line-Up: Unregulated Police Face Recognition in America,” 2016).

Examples:

• In the US, several cities have passed laws banning the use of facial recognition technology by government agencies, in part to address concerns about bias and discrimination (Electronic Frontier Foundation, “Ban Facial Recognition,” 2021).
• The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement in the UK has been criticized for its potential to exacerbate existing social inequalities, with some communities more likely to be subject to surveillance than others (The Guardian, “UK police use of facial recognition technology a failure, says report,” 2019).
• The potential for biometric data to be used for discriminatory purposes has been a concern in countries such as India, where the Aadhaar biometric database has been criticized for its potential to discriminate against certain marginalized communities (The Wire, “The Aadhaar Project and the Possible Discriminatory Impacts,” 2017).

BANNING BIOMETRIC DATA COLLECTION (CON)

Impedes Law Enforcement and National Security Efforts

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can impede law enforcement and national security efforts. Biometric technology enables the identification of criminals and terrorists, as well as the prevention of identity fraud. Without biometric data, law enforcement and national security personnel would be less equipped to prevent and solve crimes, identify suspects, and protect national security.

Statistics:

• Biometric data is increasingly used in law enforcement and national security efforts, with the global market for biometrics predicted to reach $59.31 billion by 2025 (Grand View Research, “Biometrics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 – 2025,” 2019).
• Biometric data has been used to identify and capture high-profile criminals, such as the Golden State Killer in California and the Mumbai terrorists in India (The Conversation, “Golden State Killer: How Genetics Is Helping to Catch Criminals,” 2018).
• Biometric data has also been used to prevent identity fraud and terrorism, such as at the US-Mexico border, where biometric technology has been used to identify and prevent the use of fraudulent documents by illegal immigrants and terrorists (The Heritage Foundation, “Biometrics at the Border: The Benefits and Risks of Digital Identity Verification,” 2019).

Examples:

• In 2019, San Francisco became the first city in the US to ban the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement and other government agencies (The New York Times, “San Francisco Bans Facial Recognition Technology,” 2019).
• In 2020, Portland, Oregon, banned the use of facial recognition technology by all city departments, including the police (CNN, “Portland, Oregon, Bans Facial Recognition Technology by City Departments,” 2020).
• In 2021, the European Union proposed a ban on the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces for up to five years (Reuters, “EU Seeks Ban on AI for Mass Surveillance, Social Credit Scores,” 2021).

Compromises Privacy and Data Protection

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can compromise privacy and data protection. Biometric data is sensitive personal information that can be used to identify individuals without their knowledge or consent. Without proper regulation and protection, biometric data can be misused, leading to identity theft, financial fraud, & other forms of harm.

Statistics:

• Biometric data breaches have become more common, with 37% of companies experiencing a biometric data breach in 2020 (Security Magazine, “Biometric Data Breaches on the Rise, Risking Consumer Privacy and Trust,” 2020).
• Biometric data is often shared between different entities, such as government agencies and private companies, which can increase the risk of unauthorized access and misuse (The Brookings Institution, “Biometric Data Collection and Privacy: Guidance from the European Union and the United States,” 2019).
• Without proper regulation and protection, biometric data can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of harm (World Economic Forum, “The Importance of Protecting Biometric Data,” 2020).

Examples:

• In 2019, a database containing the biometric data of 1 million people was found unsecured on the internet, exposing the sensitive personal information of individuals in the US and Canada (TechCrunch, “Biometric Security Data Breach Exposes Millions of Records,” 2019).
• In 2020, a facial recognition company used by law enforcement in the US was hacked, exposing the personal information of over 3 billion people (The Guardian, “Facial Recognition Company Clearview AI Hit with Massive Data Breach,” 2020).
• In 2021, the US government’s biometric database was hacked, exposing the personal information of millions of people, including fingerprints and facial recognition data (The Verge, “US Government Biometric Database Hacked, Photos and Fingerprints Stolen,” 2021).

Reduces Efficiency/Convenience in Public and Private Services

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can reduce efficiency and convenience in public and private services. Biometric technology enables fast and accurate identification and authentication, which can improve efficiency and convenience in a variety of settings, such as airports, banks, and healthcare facilities. Without biometric data, these services may become slower and less convenient, leading to frustration and inconvenience for users.

Statistics:

• Biometric technology can reduce passenger wait times at airports by up to 60%, leading to faster and more efficient travel (Forbes, “How Biometrics Are Revolutionizing Air Travel,” 2018).
• Biometric authentication can reduce the time and effort required for password management, leading to greater convenience for users (TechTarget, “Biometric Authentication Benefits Include Increased Security, ROI,” 2019).
• Biometric technology can improve patient identification and reduce medical errors in healthcare facilities, leading to better patient outcomes (The National Law Review, “Improving Patient Identification with Biometric Technology,” 2019).

Examples:

• In 2019, Delta Air Lines began using facial recognition technology to speed up passenger boarding and reduce wait times at airports (CNN, “Delta is Testing Facial Recognition Technology to Speed up Boarding,” 2019).
• In 2020, a healthcare provider in Pennsylvania began using palm vein recognition technology to identify patients and access medical records, improving patient identification and reducing errors (Becker’s Hospital Review, “Pennsylvania Hospital Implements Biometric Palm Vein Recognition,” 2020).
• In 2021, Mastercard announced the launch of a biometric card that uses fingerprint recognition to authenticate payments, providing a faster and more convenient payment method (Mastercard Newsroom, “Mastercard Unveils New Carbon-Reducing Payment Card,” 2021).

Hinders Technological Advancement and Innovation

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can hinder technological advancement and innovation. Biometric technology is a rapidly evolving field that holds great potential for improving security, efficiency, and convenience in a variety of settings. Without biometric data, the development of new and innovative biometric technologies may be hindered, leading to a slower pace of technological advancement.

Statistics:

• The global biometrics market is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.6% from 2020 to 2027, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for biometric solutions (Fortune Business Insights, “Biometrics Market Size, Share and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type, By Component, By Application, and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027,” 2021).
• Biometric technology has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, from banking to healthcare to transportation, by improving security and efficiency (McKinsey & Company, “Biometrics: The Future of Security,” 2019).
• Without biometric data, the development of new and innovative biometric technologies may be hindered, leading to a slower pace of technological advancement (TechRadar, “Why a Ban on Facial Recognition Isn’t the Answer,” 2021).

Examples:

• In 2020, Amazon launched a biometric payment system called Amazon One that uses palm recognition to authenticate payments, providing a faster and more convenient payment method (CNN Business, “Amazon Launches Biometric Payment System at Two Seattle Stores,” 2020).
• In 2021, researchers developed a biometric system that uses gait recognition to identify individuals based on their walking patterns, which has potential applications in security and surveillance (MIT Technology Review, “This New Biometric System Can Identify You by Your Walk,” 2021).
• In 2022, a company developed a biometric system that uses ear shape recognition to identify individuals, which could be used in a variety of settings, such as security and healthcare (ZDNet, “New Biometric System Uses Ear Shape Recognition,” 2022).

Limits Access to Services/Opportunities for Certain Populations

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can limit access to services and opportunities for certain populations. Biometric technology can provide secure and convenient identification and authentication, which can be especially beneficial for marginalized and vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, disabled, and those without official identification documents. Without biometric data, these populations may face barriers to accessing essential services and opportunities.

Statistics:

• Biometric technology can be used to provide secure and convenient identification for refugees and displaced persons, who often lack official identification documents (The Brookings Institution, “Biometrics in Aid: Balancing Risks and Benefits,” 2020).
• Biometric technology can improve financial inclusion for low-income populations by enabling secure and convenient identification for banking and financial services (World Bank, “Digital Identification and Finance: A Review of the Literature,” 2018).
• Without biometric data, marginalized and vulnerable populations may face barriers to accessing essential services, such as healthcare and social services (The Lancet Digital Health, “The Case for Universal Digital Identity,” 2020).

Examples:

• In India, the government’s biometric identification system, Aadhaar, has enabled millions of people to access essential services and benefits, such as banking, healthcare, and social welfare programs (World Bank Blogs, “India’s Aadhaar: A Case Study of Identity-Linked Services,” 2019).
• In Kenya, a mobile biometric identification system has enabled refugees to access essential services, such as food and shelter, and has reduced the risk of fraud and corruption (The New Humanitarian, “Refugees in Kenya Are Getting More Aid Thanks to Biometrics,” 2019).
• In the US, marginalized populations, such as the homeless and those without official identification documents, may face barriers to accessing essential services, such as healthcare and social services, due to a lack of secure and convenient identification options (National Alliance to End Homelessness, “Identifying People Experiencing Homelessness,” 2020).

Limits Individual and Organizational Autonomy and Control

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can limit individual and organizational autonomy and control. Biometric technology enables individuals and organizations to control access to sensitive information and resources, such as personal data and financial accounts. Without biometric data, individuals and organizations may have less control over their own data and resources, leading to greater vulnerability to fraud and misuse.

Statistics:

• Biometric technology can provide secure and convenient authentication for online accounts, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft (The New York Times, “Why You Need a Better Handle on Your Passwords,” 2020).
• Biometric technology can be used to control access to sensitive information and resources in organizations, such as secure facilities and data centers (Gartner, “Biometric Authentication Is the Future of Enterprise Security,” 2020).
• Without biometric data, individuals and organizations may have less control over their own data and resources, leading to greater vulnerability to fraud and misuse (The Hill, “Banning Facial Recognition Tech Isn’t the Answer,” 2020).

Examples:

• In 2020, a biometric authentication provider was hacked, compromising the personal data of millions of individuals, including biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition data (TechCrunch, “Biometric Security Data Breach Exposes Millions of Records,” 2020).
• In 2021, a cybersecurity firm discovered a database containing the biometric data of over 1 million individuals that was left unsecured on the internet, exposing the sensitive personal information of these individuals (Business Insider, “1 Million People’s Biometric Data Was Found Unsecured on a Database Left Online Without a Password,” 2021).
• Without biometric authentication, individuals and organizations may have less control over access to sensitive information and resources, leading to greater vulnerability to fraud and misuse (Forbes, “The Future of Passwords: Biometrics, Hardware Tokens, and Passwordless Authentication,” 2021).

Decreases Accuracy/Reliability in Identification & Authentication

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can decrease accuracy and reliability in identification and authentication. Biometric technology enables fast and accurate identification and authentication, which can improve security and prevent fraud. Without biometric data, identification and authentication may rely on less accurate and reliable methods, such as passwords and PINs, which can be easily compromised.

Statistics:

• Biometric authentication is more secure and reliable than passwords and PINs, which can be easily guessed or stolen (TechTarget, “Biometric Authentication Benefits Include Increased Security, ROI,” 2019).
• Biometric technology can improve accuracy and reliability in identification and authentication, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft (The Brookings Institution, “Biometric Data Collection and Privacy: Guidance from the European Union and the United States,” 2019).
• Without biometric data, identification and authentication may rely on less accurate and reliable methods, leading to a greater risk of fraud and identity theft (Wired, “A Ban on Facial Recognition Isn’t Enough,” 2020).

Examples:

• In 2017, a cybersecurity firm demonstrated that facial recognition technology could be easily fooled by 3D printed masks, highlighting the importance of using multiple biometric factors for authentication (The Verge, “Facial Recognition on Galaxy S8 Can Be Fooled by a Photo, But That’s No Surprise,” 2017).
• In 2019, researchers found that some facial recognition systems were less accurate in identifying people of color and women, highlighting the importance of ensuring that biometric technology is unbiased and inclusive (The New York Times, “Facial Recognition’s Many Controversies, From Stadium Surveillance to Racist Software,” 2019).
• Without biometric technology, identification and authentication may rely on less accurate and reliable methods, such as passwords and PINs, which can be easily compromised (Dark Reading, “Why Biometric Data Use Poses Unique Security Risks,” 2019).

Reduces Innovation and Competition in the Biometrics Industry

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can reduce innovation and competition in the biometrics industry. Biometric technology is a rapidly evolving field that is constantly developing new and innovative solutions for security, efficiency, and convenience. Without biometric data, the biometrics industry may become less competitive and innovative, leading to slower technological advancement and fewer benefits for users.

Statistics:

• The biometrics industry is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17.6% from 2020 to 2025, driven by increasing demand for biometric solutions in a variety of industries (Research and Markets, “Biometrics Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 – 2026),” 2021).
• The biometrics industry is a highly competitive market, with many companies developing new and innovative biometric solutions for a variety of applications (Biometric Update, “Market Analysis: Biometrics Market to Surpass $50 Billion by 2022,” 2017).
• Without biometric data, the biometrics industry may become less competitive and innovative, leading to slower technological advancement and fewer benefits for users (TechRadar, “Why a Ban on Facial Recognition Isn’t the Answer,” 2021).

Examples:

• In 2020, a company developed a biometric system that uses brainwave recognition to identify individuals, which could have applications in security and surveillance (BBC News, “Brainwave Authentication System Developed by Japanese Telecoms Firm,” 2020).
• In 2021, researchers developed a biometric system that uses heart rate variability to identify individuals, which has potential applications in healthcare and security (Science Daily, “Biometric Authentication Goes Heart-Rate Deep,” 2021).
• Without biometric data, the biometrics industry may become less competitive and innovative, leading to slower technological advancement and fewer benefits for users (The Hill, “Banning Facial Recognition Tech Isn’t the Answer,” 2020).

Hinders Law Enforcement and National Security Efforts

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can hinder law enforcement and national security efforts. Biometric technology can provide fast and accurate identification and authentication, which can help law enforcement agencies and national security agencies prevent and investigate crimes and threats. Without biometric data, these agencies may have fewer tools and resources to prevent and investigate crimes and threats.

Statistics:

• Biometric technology can help law enforcement agencies identify and track suspects, leading to increased safety and security for communities (The Brookings Institution, “Biometrics and Privacy: A Positive-Sum Approach,” 2019).
• Biometric technology can help prevent identity theft and fraud, which are major national security concerns (The National Law Review, “Biometric Identification: Challenges and Opportunities,” 2019).
• Without biometric data, law enforcement and national security agencies may have fewer tools and resources to prevent and investigate crimes and threats, leading to increased risk to public safety and national security (CNN, “Facial Recognition Technology Is Both Biased and Understudied, Says a New Report,” 2020).

Examples:

• In 2018, law enforcement agencies in Maryland used facial recognition technology to identify a suspect in a mass shooting, leading to his arrest and conviction (NPR, “Facial Recognition Software Led to False Arrest of Michigan Man, ACLU Says,” 2019).
• In 2020, a biometric identification system was used to identify a terrorist who carried out an attack at a church in France, leading to his identification and capture (BBC News, “Nice Attack: France’s Battle Against Islamist Extremism,” 2020).
• Without biometric data, law enforcement and national security agencies may have fewer tools and resources to prevent and investigate crimes and threats, leading to increased risk to public safety and national security (The Hill, “Banning Facial Recognition Tech Isn’t the Answer,” 2020).

Decreases Public Trust in Biometric Technology and Institutions

Description: Banning the collection of biometric data can decrease public trust in biometric technology and institutions. Biometric technology is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and bad purposes, and public trust in biometric technology and the institutions that use it is essential for its effective and ethical use. Without biometric data, the public may become less confident in the ability of institutions to protect their data and use biometric technology in a responsible and ethical manner.

Statistics:

• Public trust in biometric technology is essential for its effective and ethical use (The Brookings Institution, “Biometric Data Collection and Privacy: Guidance from the European Union and the United States,” 2019).
• The public is concerned about the potential misuse of biometric data by governments and corporations, leading to calls for increased regulation and oversight (Pew Research Center, “U.S. Public Has Mixed Views on Using Biometric Identification Technology,” 2019).
• Without public trust in biometric technology and the institutions that use it, the potential benefits of biometric technology may not be realized, leading to slower adoption and limited impact (The Verge, “Facial Recognition Is Here to Stay. And We Need to Develop Standards,” 2021).

Examples:

• In 2020, the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies in the US was criticized for its potential to exacerbate racial bias and violate civil liberties, leading to increased public scrutiny and calls for regulation (The New York Times, “Facial Recognition’s Many Controversies, From Stadium Surveillance to Racist Software,” 2020).
• In 2021, a survey found that only 41% of Americans trust the government to use facial recognition technology in a responsible and ethical manner, highlighting the importance of building public trust in biometric technology and the institutions that use it (Gallup, “Americans Have Mixed Views on Facial Recognition Technology,” 2021).
• Without public trust in biometric technology and the institutions that use it, the potential benefits of biometric technology may not be realized, leading to slower adoption and limited impact (The Hill, “Banning Facial Recognition Tech Isn’t the Answer,” 2020).

Additional Comments

In conclusion, while banning the collection of biometric data may address some concerns regarding privacy and civil liberties, it can also lead to a range of harms and disadvantages, including reduced security and convenience, limits to access for certain populations, decreased accuracy and reliability in identification and authentication, reduced innovation and competition in the biometrics industry, and decreased public trust in biometric technology and institutions. It is important to consider these potential harms and disadvantages when making decisions about the use of biometric technology and to work towards addressing these concerns while leveraging the potential benefits of biometric technology.

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