Biometric identification is becoming an increasingly favored technology method for companies to use when verifying or searching for the identity of a person. In a recent article published by Government Technology about biometric identification, massive gains in accuracy and lower costs allow facial recognition to serve as a reliable application for governments and other companies to use. The facial recognition market is growing rapidly, estimated to reach $7.76 billion in value globally. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Hillsboro, Oregon, was one of the first law enforcement agencies in the country to use Amazon’s facial recognition software program at a cost of $7 per month. Using this program regularly has led to dozens of arrests for theft, violence and other crimes.
However, as the technology becomes increasingly accurate, privacy advocates are worried about diminishing what little privacy people have left. Without proper checks and balances in place, the latest technology has the potential for abuse, intrusiveness and invasion of privacy. With this also comes the risk being raised that facial recognition technologies struggle with discerning people of color accurately, resulting in an inherent bias. Many cities are working towards keeping the use of facial recognition technology under control and being aware of privacy issues.
TRACKtech, LLC has incorporated biometric identification into our products to increase safety and verification of program members. The TRACKphone provides the supervisor with a choice of three options for biometric verification including a fingerprint, iris scan or voice recognition. Biometric verification is used to ensure that the program member is the one in possession of the phone and allows for supervisors to monitor where they are, as well as check in with them through secured verification. TRACKtech ensures that all data is secure and does not misuse biometric verification technology, in the hopes of still providing the program member with reassurance that they have privacy, even while under supervision.