The Pros and Cons of Biometrics Ban: Is It at All Feasible?
In recent times, biometrics has become a crucial security tool utilized by individuals and organizations all over the world. Biometrics refers to the use of unique physiological characteristics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, voice recognition, and DNA to verify the identity of individuals. With the rise in cyber threats, it has become essential to use biometrics to protect sensitive information. However, some people are advocating for a biometrics ban due to privacy and security concerns. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of a biometrics ban and assess whether it’s feasible or not.
The Pros of Biometrics Ban
1. Enhanced Privacy:
One of the primary reasons why some individuals and groups advocate for a biometrics ban is due to privacy concerns. The use of biometric data, such as facial recognition, can introduce privacy risks as it can be used to track people without their knowledge or consent. A biometrics ban would prevent organizations from obtaining and storing such data, thus protecting the privacy of individuals.
2. Increased Security:
Although biometrics is touted as a secure method of authentication, it’s not immune to security breaches. A biometrics ban would prevent cyber attackers from accessing stored biometric data, which, once breached, can result in irreversible damage. A biometrics ban would enable organizations to implement alternative methods of authentication that may be more secure than biometrics.
The Cons of Biometrics Ban
1. Reduced Security:
Biometrics provides a high level of security that cannot be guaranteed by traditional forms of authentication such as passwords and tokens. A biometrics ban would make it easier for cyber attackers to access sensitive information as there would be a reduced level of security. Organizations may not be able to achieve the same level of security without biometrics, which could lead to security breaches.
2. Limited Convenience:
Biometrics provide convenience as it enables individuals to authenticate themselves without the need for passwords, tokens, or smart cards. A biometrics ban would eliminate this convenience, creating additional steps for individuals to authenticate themselves, which could lead to frustration and reduced productivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a biometrics ban can enhance privacy and prevent security breaches. However, it can also reduce security and limit convenience. The pros and cons of a biometrics ban should be carefully considered before implementing it. If properly managed, biometrics can be a secure and convenient tool for individuals and organizations to authenticate themselves. Organizations should evaluate their needs, their environment, and their risks to determine whether a biometrics ban is feasible or not.
Examples of Biometrics Ban
1. San Francisco banned the use of facial recognition in May 2019.
2. The European Union has proposed a ban on the use of facial recognition for public surveillance for up to five years.
