[Reader-list] Biometric tech 'inherently fallible'

[Tapas Ray [Gmail]]

Consider what this may say about our hugely expensive UID project.

Tapas


http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12720

AUTOMATED BIOMETRIC RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGIES 'INHERENTLY FALLIBLE,'
BETTER SCIENCE BASE NEEDED

Sept. 24, 2010 — Biometric systems -- designed to automatically
recognize individuals based on biological and behavioral traits such
as fingerprints, palm prints, or voice or face recognition -- are
"inherently fallible," says a new report by the National Research
Council, and no single trait has been identified that is stable and
distinctive across all groups.  To strengthen the science and improve
system effectiveness, additional research is needed at virtually all
levels of design and operation. (See Full Report)

"For nearly 50 years, the promise of biometrics has outpaced the
application of the technology," said Joseph N. Pato, chair of the
committee that wrote the report and distinguished technologist at
Hewlett-Packard's HP Laboratories, Palo Alto, Calif.  "While some
biometric systems can be effective for specific tasks, they are not
nearly as infallible as their depiction in popular culture might
suggest.  Bolstering the science is essential to gain a complete
understanding of the strengths and limitations of these systems."

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