WHAT ARE BIOMETRICS?
In an increasingly digital world, verifying identity accurately and securely has become essential. From unlocking smartphones to accessing bank accounts, biometrics play a vital role in modern authentication systems. But what exactly are biometrics, and why are they considered so reliable?
Meaning of Biometrics: The term biometrics comes from two Greek words: bios (life) and metron (measure).
Biometrics refers to the measurement and statistical analysis of unique physical and behavioural characteristics of individuals used to identify or verify a person’s identity.
Unlike passwords or ID cards, biometric traits are intrinsic to a person, making them difficult to steal, forget, or forge.
Biometrics was first used in ancient civilisations, long before modern technology existed.
Early Use of Biometrics:
● Ancient Babylon (around 500 BCE)
The earliest known use of biometrics is traced to ancient Babylon, where fingerprints were used on clay tablets for business transactions. People pressed their fingerprints into wet clay to seal contracts and confirm identity.
● Ancient China (around 300 BCE)
In China, fingerprints and handprints were used as marks of identification, especially in legal documents and criminal investigations.
● Modern Scientific Use
19th Century – British India
Modern biometric science began in British India.
Sir William Herschel, a British officer in Bengal (1850s), used fingerprints to prevent fraud in contracts and pension payments.
Later, Sir Francis Galton scientifically studied fingerprints and proved their uniqueness, laying the foundation of modern fingerprint identification.
Law Enforcement Adoption:
● Early 20th Century
Fingerprint identification was formally adopted by police forces in Europe and the United States, replacing earlier methods like anthropometry (Anthropometry is about measuring the human body, while biometrics focuses on identifying individuals using unique biological features.)
In Short
First known use: Ancient Babylon
Scientific development: 19th-century British India
Widespread adoption: 20th-century law enforcement
Biometrics, therefore, is both ancient in origin and modern in application, evolving from clay tablets to digital scanners.
Types of Biometric Identifiers: Biometrics are broadly classified into two categories.
1. Physical (Physiological) Biometrics
These are based on the physical features of the human body:
● Fingerprint recognition
● Iris and retina scans
● Facial recognition
● Hand geometry
● DNA analysis
Each of these traits is unique to an individual and remains largely stable over time.
2. Behavioural Biometrics
These are based on patterns of behaviour rather than physical appearance:
● Voice recognition
● Signature dynamics
● Typing rhythm (keystroke dynamics)
● Gait (walking style)
Behavioural biometrics may change slightly over time but still offer reliable identification when combined with other methods.
How Biometric Systems Work: A typical biometric system functions in three main steps.
● Enrollment – The individual’s biometric data is captured and stored in digital form.
● Storage – The data is converted into a biometric template and securely saved.
● Matching – During authentication, the live biometric sample is compared with the stored template to confirm identity.
Uses of Biometrics: Biometric technology is widely used across various sectors.
● Smartphones and personal devices (fingerprint and face unlock)
● Banking and financial services (secure transactions)
● Government identification systems (such as Aadhaar in India)
● Border control and immigration
● Attendance systems in schools and offices
● Healthcare and law enforcement
Advantages of Biometrics:
● High security – Unique to each individual
● Convenience – No need to remember passwords or carry cards
● Accuracy – Reduces identity fraud and duplication
● Efficiency – Quick and seamless authentication
Concerns and Limitations: Despite their benefits, biometrics also raise certain concerns.
● Privacy issues – Misuse or leakage of biometric data can have serious consequences
● Data security – Unlike passwords, biometric traits cannot be changed if compromised
● Cost and infrastructure – Advanced systems may be expensive to implement
● Errors – False acceptance or rejection can occur in some cases
Conclusion: Biometrics represent a significant advancement in the field of identification and security. By relying on unique human traits, biometric systems offer a blend of convenience, accuracy, and enhanced protection. However, their use must be balanced with strong data protection measures and ethical considerations to ensure trust and safety in the digital age.
As technology evolves, biometrics are set to become even more integrated into everyday life, shaping how we identify ourselves in a connected world.
Do You Know?
● Fingerprints begin forming before birth—around the 10th week of pregnancy—and remain unchanged throughout a person’s life.
● No two irises are alike, not even those of identical twins, making iris recognition one of the most accurate biometric methods.
● India operates the world’s largest biometric identification system, Aadhaar, which uses fingerprints and iris scans of over a billion people.
● Biometric data is stored as encrypted templates, not as actual images, to enhance security and privacy.
● Behavioural biometrics can identify a person even without touch, such as by analysing how they type or walk.
