Taking Into Account The "Ethics" of Biometrics
As much as I have written about Privacy Rights and the Social Implications surrounding the use of Biometric Technology, I have never thought it from the perspective of and "ethical standpoint." Well, there is a new Project (actually a European Consortium) coming out called "RISE", and it is an acronym for the "Rising pan European and International Awareness on Biometrics and Security Ethics."
This new Project surrounding the Ethics and Social Impacts of Biometrics was actually launched in March of this year, in order to help understand further these ramifications, and how to address the issues and concerns brought up by the end user.
Here are some more details of it: "RISE will set up an international initiative to monitor ethical and policy issues raised by biometrics and security technologies . . . the project aims to involve key European and international actors in an ongoing, policy‐related, non‐official, dialogue on privacy and ethics of biometrics and security technologies . . . RISE’s mission is to create an internationally recognized ethical framework to be used while planning and managing security policies, notably biometrics. Ethical implications of biometric identification technologies directly concern respect for body integrity and dignity, protection of weaker communities and their privacy rights." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/714).
The RISE Consortium is composed of five European Countries, the United States, China, and India.
Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting
While the formation of this Consortium is good, what about the formation of a Project or Consortium, which focuses upon education for the end user and consumer about Biometric Technologies in general?
In my view, this is just as important as the Privacy Rights and Ethical Issues surrounding Biometrics. Remember, ultimately in the end, in order for the growth in Biometrics to continue as it is predicted, the end user and the consumer has to understand what they are purchasing, and how to properly use the device. If they don’t, then what is the point??? They will simply have another fancy Security Tool in their hand serving no use or purpose at all.
Source for this Posting: http://www.findbiometrics.com/article/714