Semlex Supports Evolving Landscape of Biometric Data and Security

In today’s landscape of biometrics, technologies such as facial scanning and fingerprint recognition offer convenience by removing the need for traditional passwords but bring about security challenges that are imperative to solve.

Imagine a future world where individuals can make a purchase at a grocery store simply by waving their hand at a small scanner. This vision is becoming closer to reality, with over three million people in the United States already entrusting their biometric data to e-commerce powerhouse Amazon on a daily basis through such technology. The widespread adoption of smartphones has led to increased usage and demand for biometric technology, driving the growth of the biometric industry.

Albert Karaziwan, founder of Semlex, a company specializing in identity solutions, specifies the significance of biometric data in enhancing security across various industries, asserting that biometric methods offer a more robust means of identity verification compared to traditional passwords, which have proven vulnerable to various forms of hacking and misuse.

“At Semlex, we believe that the increasing use of biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, reflects a broader societal shift towards more secure and efficient authentication methods,” says Albert Karaziwan. He adds “In a post-pandemic world, where contactless solutions are highly sought after, biometrics have taken center stage. However, we also understand the importance of addressing privacy concerns and ensuring that biometric data is used responsibly and in compliance with data protection regulations.”

Governments are also increasingly relying on biometric tools, such as facial recognition and biometric passports, for border control, leaving citizens with limited options to safeguard their personal information. However, when it comes to private companies seeking to collect user data, permission remains a crucial prerequisite.

“While biometric data holds immense promise, it is crucial to strike a balance between security and privacy,” emphasizes the Semlex founder Albert Karaziwan. “Biometric data, by its very nature, is deeply personal, and its collection and usage should be transparent and consensual. Semlex advocates for stringent data protection measures and emphasizes the significance of obtaining explicit consent when collecting biometric information.”

Biometric data encompasses any information pertaining to an individual’s unique bodily characteristics that can be used for identification. While facial recognition and fingerprints are the most familiar applications, technologies like gait analysis and Amazon’s “palm signatures” also fall within this realm.

Apple was at the forefront of incorporating biometric data for commercial use, introducing Touch ID in 2013 and later, Face ID, which employs a TrueDepth camera to create a 3D map of the user’s face. The rationale behind the increasing adoption of biometrics in sectors like security, health, finance, and technology is its superior security compared to traditional passwords and identification documents.

Albert Karaziwan explains “We are witnessing a transformative era where biometric data is becoming integral to our daily lives. The convenience of unlocking smartphones with a fingerprint or making secure payments with a palm scan cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, the responsibility lies with both technology providers and users to ensure that this invaluable data is safeguarded against potential threats, including hacking and misuse.”

Melissa Goldstein, an associate professor at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, explains that biometric data circumvents some of the shortcomings associated with passwords. Companies assert that biometric methods are not only more secure but also more user-friendly.

However, the pivotal concern lies in the utilization and protection of this sensitive data. Christopher Weatherhead, technology lead at Privacy International, emphasizes that sharing personal data is not inherently worrisome, but the way it is employed matters greatly. For instance, if data provided for a specific purpose is repurposed for something the user did not consent to, it can lead to feelings of deception.

The risk of hacking is also a pressing issue, as once biometric data is compromised, rectifying the situation becomes exceedingly challenging. Melissa Goldstein underscores the dichotomy of biometric data: inherently secure when tied to one’s body, but vulnerable once stored in databases.

“While worst-case scenarios include medical fraud, the benefits of using one’s palm for payment or unlocking a phone with a fingerprint may outweigh the potential risks,” Goldstein contends. “People are willing to share their data in exchange for perceived benefits, though individual definitions of benefits may vary.”

In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the use of biometric data. According to Felix Mikolasch, a data protection lawyer at the non-profit NOYB, valid consent is a fundamental requirement under GDPR. Companies operating within the EU must explicitly seek consent, ensuring it is freely given, specific, and informed. Users must be aware of how their data will be used and have the ability to withdraw their consent, which should entail data deletion.

Semlex advocates for the responsible handling of biometric data in compliance with European regulations. Valid consent, as mandated by GDPR, is a cornerstone of ethical biometric data usage. It ensures that individuals understand and control how their data is utilized, fostering trust between users and organizations.

Recent cases, such as the fines imposed on Clearview and the actions of social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlight the growing importance of complying with European regulations on biometric data collection and usage. While biometric technology offers undeniable advantages, it is essential to strike a balance between convenience and security, guided by transparent and ethical practices.