FACING UP TO BIOMETRICS

Latest on the list of biometric achievements is the thermogram. Scientists have found that by taking pictures of a face using infra-red cameras, a unique heat distribution pattern is seen. The different densities of bone, skin, fat and blood vessels all contribute to an individual's personal "heat signature." Nine different comparative parameters are used excluding the nose and ears, which are prone to wide variations in temperature. Once a picture is taken of a face, its thermal image can be matched with astonishing accuracy against a database of pre-recorded thermograms. The system is so accurate that it can tell identical twins apart. In addition, the system cannot be fooled by cosmetic surgery or disguises, including facial hair. This is the point where ordinary opti-facial recognition systems would have been floored.

The most disturbing thing about this new system is its invisibility. Other biometric systems such as retinal scans and palm scanners require subject cooperation and intrusive analysis. The thermogram merely requires a camera to be pointing in your direction. Your face could be picked from a crowd of thousands within seconds and you wouldn't even know you were being watched. Many people are hailing thermography as spectacular for precisely the reasons that make it unacceptable. There are those who liken intrusive identification methods to criminal proceedings. At least you know where you stand when a computer laser-scans your eyes. At least you are aware of being observed. This new technology is completely discreet, and many sheep think that makes it OK.

Another biometric wonder that we can look forward to is the artificial nose. This device chemically analyses the unique combination of substances excreted from the skin of people. It essentially sniffs them out. One "legitimate" use for this technology might be to keep track of known shoplifters. Their smell would be recorded on computer and all shops would have electronic noses at the entrance. Upon entering, the hapless shoplifter would find himself subject to the closest scrutiny as the shop computer informs staff of his criminal past. But what if electronic noses, linked to a worldwide computer network, were installed at border crossings?

Unlike fingerprinting and other intrusive ID methods, the disturbing thing about biometry is that templates can be acquired without suspect knowledge. Your thermogram or aroma-print could be held on file and you wouldn't even know it. You wouldn't know it had been taken, let alone stored.

Those were the days when you rolled your fingers in an inkpad and knew what you were getting in the bargain. Come back fingerprint, all is forgiven!