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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2: New Type of Identification

Biometrics uses physical characteristics to determine someone's identity, and it is revolutionizing security in the United States and around the world. Using physical characteristics for identity is faster and more secure than current methods like pin numbers--such as the ones used to gain personal information at the bank or on the Internet--or photo IDs, like driver's licenses or passports. Unfortunately, rampant identity theft has proven that pins and licenses do not work; anyone’s identity can be stolen.

Biometrics is one cure for identity theft. No one can pretend to be you if biometrics is used on computers, airplane tickets, and ID cards. Facial characteristics, fingerprints, and iris pattern (the colored part of your eye) are used in biometrics. Why are these characteristics used? Your fingerprints, your iris pattern, and your facial characteristics belong only to you. No one has the same biometric information as you. This is why biometrics is safer than pin numbers, you keep your fingerprints and eyes with you; no one can steal them.

Many laptops already come with biometric chips that recognize fingerprints and allow access to the computer. Thailand is issuing every citizen their own biometric ID card with fingerprint identification. Britain is developing passports that utilize facial recognition biometrics to make sure that travelers are not using fake identification. Germany is also embedding facial recognition biometrics in its passports as well as encoding airplane tickets with fingerprints. Even hospitals have protected patient information with all three biometrics. Technology has discovered how to validate your identity by actually using your body.

--Written by Katheryn Troyer

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