How Biometrics Will Be Impacted by Quebec’s New Bill 64
Quebec’s new Bill 64, which aims to enhance the protection of personal information in the province, raises questions about how biometric technology will be impacted by the new regulations. Biometrics, which involves using physical traits such as fingerprints or facial recognition to verify identity, has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, with concerns about privacy and security on the rise, it’s worth exploring how Bill 64 will impact the use of biometrics in Quebec.
Understanding Biometrics
Biometrics is a form of technology that uses physical or behavioural characteristics to identify an individual. This can include facial recognition, iris or retina scans, fingerprinting, and voice recognition. Biometric data is unique to each individual, making it a valuable tool for identity verification. Biometrics has a wide range of applications, including security, financial transactions, healthcare, and more.
Bill 64: What You Need to Know
Bill 64, which was passed in Quebec in June 2020, is designed to strengthen the protection of personal information in the province. The bill introduces new rules for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, as well as new rights for individuals to control how their data is used.
One of the key changes introduced by Bill 64 is the requirement for organizations to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting, using, or disclosing their personal information. Organizations must also provide individuals with information about why their data is being collected, how it will be used, and who it will be shared with.
The Impact on Biometrics
The new regulations introduced by Bill 64 will have a significant impact on the use of biometric technology in Quebec. Biometric data is classified as sensitive personal information under the new rules, meaning that organizations will need to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting or using this data. This is likely to make it more difficult for organizations to implement and use biometric technology.
In addition, Bill 64 introduces new rules around data storage and retention. Organizations will be required to store personal information for only as long as necessary, and individuals have the right to request that their data be deleted. This may make it more difficult for organizations to implement biometric systems that require long-term data storage.
The Future of Biometrics in Quebec
While Bill 64 introduces new challenges for the use of biometric technology in Quebec, it is not necessarily a death knell for the industry. Biometrics can still be a useful tool for identity verification, but organizations will need to adapt to the new regulations and be more transparent about how they collect and use personal information.
For example, organizations may need to implement additional security protocols to protect biometric data, such as encryption or multi-factor authentication. They may also need to provide more detailed information to individuals about how their data will be used and how long it will be retained.
Conclusion
Bill 64 is an important step in enhancing the protection of personal information in Quebec. While it may introduce new challenges for the use of biometric technology, it is ultimately a positive development for individuals’ privacy and security. As the industry adapts to the new regulations, we can expect to see more transparency and accountability around the use of biometric data.
