Biometrics: Proliferation and constraints to emerging and new technologies

The successes of 'asymmetric warfare' waged by violent Islamic Jihadi terror groups in recent years have been a major catalyst in the growth of biometric technologies. Many view this technology as the key to addressing the security needs posed by the 'new terror'. In this context of a 'paradigm shift' to a new terrorism that promotes 'super violence' this paper examines some of the reasons for the growth in biometrics. The paper will attempt to provide an overview of the many existing and emerging forms of biometric technologies. Privacy and human rights implications are discussed as well as suggestions for future potential areas of growth. This study could be of interest to those involved in security of public institutions, schools, military, insurance companies, non-profit organisations, government agencies. Security Journal (2010) 23, 276-298. doi:10.1057/sj.2008.21; published online 16 March 2009