Biometric and AI technologies pose security and human rights risks

A new report from RAND Europe warns that the rapid adoption of biometric identification, digital ID, and AI systems by security agencies requires robust oversight to prevent discriminatory surveillance and the targeting of specific groups. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Royal United Services Institute and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, highlights that while these technologies can improve identity verification and reduce fraud, they also pose significant risks to human rights if governance is weak.

The report notes an expanding biometric landscape that includes not only fingerprints and facial recognition but also voice, gait, and “behaviometrics,” such as typing speed and swipe patterns.

Concurrently, experts highlight the permanent nature of biometric data as a critical security vulnerability. Unlike passwords, biometric identifiers cannot be changed if compromised. This permanence makes biometric breaches potentially irreversible. There are growing concerns regarding AI-driven systematic credential fraud and the ability of artificial intelligence to potentially copy biometric data, complicating the security landscape for global cybersecurity experts.