Biometrics

Biometrics refers to measurable physiological or behavioural characteristics that can be used to identify an individual. Examples of biometric identifiers include fingerprints, iris patterns, facial features, DNA, voice signatures, and even physical movements. The use of biometrics is becoming more common. For example, fingerprints and facial images are matched against databases to identify persons of interest, and used by individuals to authenticate their identities and to access computing devices or physical spaces. Unlike other types of personal information, biometric identifiers are directly and intimately associated with the human body and cannot be easily hidden or changed. As such, biometric identifiers are worthy of the highest standard of privacy protection. The IPC provides guidance on the appropriate use of biometrics.