The Biometrics Consortium
Critics charge that biometrics are nothing more than another invasion of privacy. Pat Robertson apprised viewers of the 700 Club that biometrics signal the coming of the Apocalypse. "The Bible says the time is going to come that you cannot buy or sell except with a mark placed on your hand or on your forehead... It is happening, ladies and gentleman, exactly according to the Book of Revelations." claimed Robertson on his Christian Broadcasting Network segment entitled "Biometrics: Chipping Away Your Rights?"
Be that as it may, supporters of biometrics are forging ahead, with the US government leading the way. The Biometric Consortium, a working group within the National Security Agency (NSA), promotes the science and performance of biometrics for the US Government. The consortium serves as a forum for researchers to exchange information and results about their developments in the field. Some of the planned uses and those generating interest include:
- Electronic Benefits Transfer Task Force for disbursement of Federal benefits (retirement, social security, welfare, etc.) through ATMs and POS systems.
- National Crime Information Center 2000 (NCIC 2000) to equip police patrol cars with devices that''ll capture faces and fingerprints in the field and relay them to central computers that check for wants and warrants.
- Department of State passport issuance processing.
- Department of Defense network security enhancements.
- Federal Aviation Administration airport security applications.
Although they''re not exactly ready for prime time today, it won''t be too long before biometric devices are as common as Automated Teller Machines. As standards for interfaces, software, and storage technologies are being developed and promulgated, E-commerce via the Internet stands to gain the most. Once fearful consumers understand that biometrics can provide unassailable proof of identity, they''ll naturally gravitate to online shopping. The future of buying may be as close as your fingertips!
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