Biometric technologies measure physical characteristics and apply statistical analysis to identify an individual, verify identity, or make related inferences. Biometrics are often used to unlock smartphones, access bank accounts, travel, and enter physical workspaces. Biometric systems can increase security and enhance products. At the same time, they rely on highly sensitive information, can create serious privacy risks, and raise important questions about compliance with legal, ethical, and business frameworks.

The Biometrics session will cover topics including:

How biometrics systems work, including definitions, technology processes, and common systems such as facial recognition, fingerprints, voice, and behavioral characterization;

The benefits and risks, including efficiencies, potential harms, and privacy considerations;

Common commercial applications of the technology in healthcare, advertising, employment, and education contexts; and

Social and ethical considerations, including law enforcement uses, regulatory frameworks, and standards setting initiatives.

This training will be a live virtual session.

Your Biometrics - Head to Toe training host:

John Verdi, Senior Vice President of Policy.

John Verdi is Senior Vice President of Policy at the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF). John supervises FPF’s policy portfolio, which advances FPF’s agenda on a broad range of issues, including: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning; Algorithmic Decision-Making; Ethics; Connected Cars; Smart Communities; Student Privacy; Health; the Internet of Things; Wearable Technologies; De-Identification; and Drones.

John previously served as Director of Privacy Initiatives at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where he crafted policy recommendations for the US Department of Commerce and President Obama regarding technology, trust, and innovation. John led NTIA’s privacy multistakeholder process, which established best practices regarding unmanned aircraft systems, facial recognition technology, and mobile apps. Prior to NTIA, he was General Counsel for the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), where he oversaw EPIC’s litigation program. John earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from SUNY-Binghamton.

FPF Training: Biometrics - Head to Toe