What is biometric data?
Biometric data are those unique physical or behavioral characteristics of an individual that can be used for identification or verification. This data includes traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris, voice, and the way we write or walk.
Unlike passwords or ID cards, biometric data is unique, non-transferable and difficult to forge, making it a key tool in digital security. However, their use also poses challenges in terms of privacy and personal data protection.
What are biometric data used for?
Biometric data has multiple applications, from access to mobile devices to airport security and banking transactions. Some of the main functions include:
- Authentication and access: used in mobile devices (Face ID, fingerprint), access cards and time and attendance systems.
- Security and surveillance: Police and security forces use them to identify people through facial or fingerprint recognition.
- Banking and digital payments: Many financial institutions have implemented biometric authentication to improve transaction security.
- Health and medical records: Used to identify patients and avoid medical errors in hospitals and clinics.
- Immigration and customs: At airports and borders, biometric scanners are used to verify identities and streamline immigration processes.
Types and examples of the most common biometric data
Biometric data are divided into two broad categories:
Physical biometric data
These are physical characteristics of the body that do not change over time. Examples include:
🔹 Fingerprints – Used in access systems and mobile devices.
🔹 Facial recognition – Employed in security and phone unlocking.
🔹 Iris and retina – One of the most accurate methods, used in airports and access control.
🔹 Hand geometry – Less common, but used in some industries for personnel control.
🔹 DNA – Mainly used in criminalistics and paternity testing.
Behavioral biometric data
These are based on a person’s behavior and can change over time. Examples include:
🔸 Voice recognition – Used in virtual assistants and bank authentication.
🔸 Typing dynamics – Analyzes speed and pressure when typing on a keyboard.
🔸 Gait pattern – Gait analysis can be used in security.
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How biometric data is collected and processed
Biometric data is collected through specialized sensors in different devices, ranging from fingerprint scanners to facial recognition cameras.
1️⃣ Capture: The biometric characteristic is obtained (example: a fingerprint).
2️⃣ Conversion to digital data: It is transformed into a mathematical algorithm or encryption.
3️⃣ Secure storage: Stored in encrypted databases.
4️⃣ Verification or authentication: When a user tries to access, the system compares the data with those registered.
Throughout this process, it is essential to guarantee the security and privacy of the data, since a leak can compromise the identity of the users.
Importance of biometric data in GDPR and privacy
The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) classifies biometric data as sensitive data, which means that its use is highly regulated.
Main requirements of the GDPR on biometric data:
✅ Explicit consent: cannot be collected without the user’s authorization.
✅ Specific purpose: They must be used only for the stated purpose.
✅ Protection and security: Companies must implement advanced security measures.
✅ Right to be forgotten: Users can request deletion of their data.
The misuse of biometric data can lead to millions of dollars in fines, so it is essential that companies comply with these regulations to protect users’ privacy.
Biometric data has revolutionized the way we identify ourselves, providing greater security and convenience in many areas. However, their use must always be backed by robust regulations and best practices to avoid privacy risks.
At TRUST Lab, we are committed to promoting the responsible use of biometric data, ensuring compliance with current regulations and the protection of digital identity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike a password, biometric data cannot be changed. You cannot generate a "new fingerprint" or "reset your face". This makes such a breach much more serious and long-lasting.
If your biometric data is compromised:
- They can be used for impersonation, especially in authentication systems without additional layers of security.
- There are documented cases of deepfakes, unauthorized access and bank fraud using leaked biometric data.
- The only real defense is for platforms to use strong encryption, multi-factor authentication and access limits.
Therefore, the protection of this data must be maximized, both on the part of companies and users.
All biometric data is personal data, but not all personal data is biometric.
Data type | Examples | Sensitivity |
Personal data | Name, DNI, email, address | Medium |
Biometric data | Fingerprint, face, voice, iris | High (sensitive data according to RGPD) |
The key point: biometric data allows you to identify yourself uniquely, without the need for documents or passwords. For this reason, they are treated more strictly in terms of privacy and require explicit consent and advanced protection measures.
