Why have biometrics been such a popular topic of late?
Biometrics refer to authentication techniques that rely on measurable physical characteristics that can be automatically checked, such as iris or fingerprint scans. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, 23 pieces of federal legislation have been passed in the United States calling for use of biometrics. In Britain, the government is proceeding with a pilot project that will lead to national ID cards with a biometric element being issued to all citizens. In addition to security, ID cards can also be used to combat fraud in social-service programs. The Canadian government estimates that 1,400,000 more social insurance cards are in circulation in Canada than there are citizens. Biometrics could eliminate duplicate enrollments because they use physical characteristics unique to each person.
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