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1. Defining BiometricsPloeg (2005): 1-2

Generally speaking, biometric technology involves the collection with a sensory

device of digital representations of the physiological features unique to an

individual, like a fingerprint, pattern of the iris, the retina, the veins of e.g. the hand,

physiogenetic features, shape of the hand or voice patterns; it may also include

typical behavior patterns like typing or writing a signature. This digital

representation of biometric data is then usually transformed via some algorithm to

produce a so-called template. This cannot deduce the biometric data themselves.

These templates are stored in a centralized database that is accessed when on

following occasions the finger, hand, face, eye or voice is presented to the system.

After a similar algorithmic transformation of this second biometric image, a

comparison can be executed. If a matching template is found, the person presenting

themselves is recognized and counts as known to the system. It may also be thecase that templates are not stored centrally, but on a chipcard instead. The user

then has to present both chipcard and requested body part to prove they are the

legitimate user of the card, quite like pincodes now the difference being obviously

that pins can be forgotten or passed on to a friend in order to authorize them to use

the card. In this form, biometric data in principle need not be stored by the

organization issuing the card.

Bright (2011): 235

Biometrics is conceptualized as an actor-network: a series of related actors out of

which the technology forms. The technology itself forms part of the network physical

machines which capture fingerprints or compare iris patterns. But so do the people

who use these machines, and the environments in which they are positioned.

Furthermore, knowledge about biometrics also forms part of the network:

assumptions about how well the technology works act in the sense that they will

condition where and how it is used. (see Latour 2005 for an overview)

Zhai & Renzong (2010)

The term biometric comes from the Greek words bios (life) and metrikos (measure).

Biometrics is the measure of individuals physiological and/or behavioral

characteristics.

Biometric technologies can be defined as automated methods of recognizing or

verifying the identity of a living person based on a physiological or behavioral

characteristic.

Biometrics comprises methods for uniquely recognizing humans based upon

one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits. In IT biometrics is used as a form

of identity access management and access control. It is also used to identifyindividuals in groups that are under surveillance.

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Biometric recognition is verifying somebodys identity from her/his characteristics.

Or identifying who he/she is from what he/she possesses. There are two classes of

biometric characteristics: Physiological are related to the shape of the body.

Examples include, but are not limited to fingerprint, face recognition, DNA, hand and

palm geometry, iris recognition, which has largely replaced retina, and odor/scent.

Behavioral are related to the behavior of a person. Examples include, but are notlimited to typing rhythm, gait, and voice. Some researchers have coined the term

behaviometrics for this class of biometrics.

Parameters for human characteristic being used for biometrics include: universality

each person should have the characteristic; uniqueness is how well the biometric

separates individuals from another; permanence measures how well a biometric

resists aging and other variance over time; collectability ease of acquisition for

measurement; performance accuracy, speed, and robustness of technology used;

acceptability degree of approval of a technology; and circumvention ease of use

of a substitute.

There are two modes of operating by a biometric system: one is verification A oneto one comparison of a captured biometric with a stored template to verify that the

individual is who he claims to be. It can be done in conjunction with a smart card,

username or ID number; the other is identification A one to many comparison of

the captured biometric against a biometric database in attempt to identify an

unknown individual. Both verification and identification are recognition [2].

Applications of the technology include checking the identity of passengers at

borders, checking the identity of entrants at the gate of public events, proving the

identity of payments, social security, and others benefits claimants, restricting access

to secure premises, checking the identity of voters at polling booths and identifying

known criminals, etc.In comparison with traditional technologies the advantages of biometric

technologies seem to be more accurate, more reliable, more effective, more

confidential and convenient, as well as would be cheaper with technical

simplification and mass manufactures of biometric products. For example, a

fingerprint scanner that cost $3,000 five years ago, with software included, and $500

two years ago, costs $100 today [1].

Sutrop (2010)

Biometrics is a tool used to identify and reliably confirm an individuals identity on

the bassis of physiological or behavioural characteristics. The widespread use of

biometric technologies