What are biometric data? What uses are there for this type of information? And what risks do we need to remain aware of?
To open the seventh DigitHarium month, our Tokyo delegation has invited Cristiano Blanez, Manager for the International Organization Team at NEC, to discuss the work currently being done in the development of biometric technologies. During this discussion, we will go over the nature of biometric data, what distinguishes them from other types of sensitive data, what advantages they can bring to humanitarian operations, and what risks we need to be mindful of before determining whether we want to use them.
The discussion is part of the September thematic month – Biometrics.
The series
The Digital Dilemmas Dialogues are a series of one-on-one discussions about the humanitarian digital transformation, its implications and the work ahead. This 30-odd minutes chat brings together prominent experts and stakeholders from various sectors to explore the humanitarian consequences of a new type or trend in digital technologies each month, and offer reflections on what is coming next.
The Digital Dilemmas Dialogues are a component of the DigitHarium, which is part of the Humanitarian Data and Trust Initiative (HDTI).
Additional resources
Facilitating innovation, ensuring protection: the ICRC Biometrics Policy, by Ben Hayes and Massimo Marelli (12 min read)
Humanitarian experimentation, by Kristin Bergtora Sandvik, Katja Lindskov Jacobsen and Sean Martin McDonald (5 min read)
[VIDEO EXPLAINER] Biometrics (01:32)
[DISCUSSION] Digital Identity and Biometrics - Follow the Sun event (1:16:50)
The ICRC biometrics policy (2019)