CIPL Report Calls for Risk-Based Approach to Biometrics Regulation

The Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL) has released a report addressing the complex landscape of biometric technology regulation.

The report acknowledges the expanding use cases for biometrics across industries, offering benefits in sectors like security, healthcare, and accessibility. While recognizing the potential of these technologies, the report highlights concerns about individual privacy and rights, and the increasing scrutiny biometric data receives within global data protection and privacy laws.

To navigate this complex landscape, CIPL advocates for a risk-based approach to regulation. This model recognizes that the risks associated with biometric technology vary depending on the specific application and context.

A risk-based approach would tailor regulations to the level of risk posed, allowing for beneficial implementations while implementing appropriate safeguards for higher-risk scenarios.

The report emphasizes the need for a clear and consistent vocabulary across industries and legal systems when defining biometric data and technologies. It also stresses the importance of organizational accountability, calling on companies deploying biometric solutions to prioritize responsible development and use.

CIPL encourages collaboration between regulators and innovators through tools like regulatory sandboxes. These sandboxes provide controlled environments to test and refine biometric applications. And that allows for innovation to occur within a framework that prioritizes both privacy protection and technological advancement.

Source: The National Law Review

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May 3, 2024 — by Ali Nassar-Smith