PaymentsJournal
SUBSCRIBE
  • Analysts Coverage
  • Truth In Data
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Industry Opinions
  • News
  • Resources
No Result
View All Result
PaymentsJournal
  • Analysts Coverage
  • Truth In Data
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Industry Opinions
  • News
  • Resources
No Result
View All Result
PaymentsJournal
No Result
View All Result

FTC Implements Biometrics Policy to Safeguard Consumer Rights

Josh Einis by Josh Einis
June 5, 2023
in Analysts Coverage, Biometrics
0
Biometrics policy
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

In a move that has caught the attention of businesses across the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has unveiled a comprehensive biometrics policy designed to protect consumer interest. By detailing acceptable practices and potential pitfalls surrounding the use of biometric data, FTC aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the space.

The newly released policy highlights the actions that could trigger an FTC investigation and the measures necessary to avoid sanctions. Their framework stands as a significant milestone in the FTC’s ongoing efforts to regulate the use of biometrics, and comes on the heels of similar state regulation in Illinois.

Guidelines in Place

The FTC policy addresses a range of critical issues surrounding the handling of biometric data. Five of the outlined practices serve as reminders for businesses, emphasizing their obligations and responsibilities in relation to biometric information. The remaining point, takes the form of a cautionary directive, specifically warning against surreptitious and unexpected collection or use of common biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris scans. Importantly, this warning extends to biometric systems used to determine personal attributes like age, gender, race, and even personality traits.

The policy notes that, “failing to clearly and conspicuously disclose the collection and use of biometric information makes such collection and use unavoidable by the consumer. Injuries to consumers may also be compounded if there is no mechanism for accepting and addressing consumer complaints and disputes related to businesses’ use of biometric information technologies.”

The FTC is also highlighting the need for businesses to assess and mitigate potential risks associated with the collection of biometric data. Before gathering such information, companies are urged to thoroughly evaluate the foreseeable harms it could pose to consumers, while actively working to minimize known risks.

The FTC is emphasizing the importance of ensuring that third-party vendors, employees, and contractors possess the necessary reliability and competence to work with sensitive personal information. Companies are also reminded of their obligation to train and supervise employees to ensure the responsible and ethical use of data.

In the grand scheme of things, the FTC’s biometrics policy represents a crucial step towards establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding field of biometric technology. With the increasing adoption of biometric authentication systems and the growing reliance on personal data, the need for robust consumer protections is paramount. By providing businesses with clear guidelines and expectations, the FTC aims to strike a delicate balance between innovation and safeguarding individual privacy rights.

The Danger of Deepfakes

Part of the concern with biometrics is what criminals can do with biometric information if it’s stolen. The FTC details some of the potential scenarios that can happen when biometric information is used to commit fraud. For example, biometric information, such as voice recordings, can be used to produce counterfeit videos or voice recordings, commonly known as “deepfakes.” This can allow malicious individuals to convincingly impersonate others and wreak havoc. 

Here’s one example the report cited from an article in the WSJ. Two attackers successfully hacked the local government’s facial-recognition service using deepfakes and allegedly purchased high-definition photographs of faces from an online black market. They then used a mobile app to manipulate these photos and create videos that appeared as if the faces were nodding, blinking, and opening their mouths.

To carry out their scheme, the attackers used a specially modified mobile phone that disabled its front-facing camera. They utilized this device to upload the manipulated videos when it was supposed to be capturing a video selfie for Shanghai’s tax system.

These details highlight the potential vulnerabilities in facial recognition systems and the potential risks associated with the manipulation of biometric data. It underscores the need for better security measures and constant vigilance to safeguard against such attacks.

Tags: BiometricsDeep Fakefacial recognitionFTCpolitics
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

    Analyst Coverage, Payments Data, and News Delivered Daily

    Sign up for the PaymentsJournal Newsletter to get exclusive insight and data from Javelin Strategy & Research analysts and industry professionals.

    Must Reads

    Mitigation of P2P Fraud Begins with Education

    Mitigation of P2P Fraud Begins with Education

    September 26, 2023
    digital payments

    Mass A2A Payment Adoption in The U.S. Contingent on Compelling USP

    September 25, 2023
    cashless payments mobile

    The Synergy Between Cashless Payments and Seamless Mobile Coverage

    September 22, 2023
    The Power of AI and How its Transforming the Financial Landscape

    The Power of AI and How It’s Transforming the Financial Landscape

    September 21, 2023
    “You’re a Fintech, I’m a Legacy Bank – How Can We Collaborate?”

    Investing in Fintech: Opportunities and Challenges in the Payments Industry

    September 20, 2023
    real-time payments across the globe

    In 2023, Real-Time Payments Expanding Across the Globe

    September 19, 2023
    AI

    AI in EBPP: Small Changes, Huge Impacts

    September 18, 2023
    Amazon

    How Tech Is Changing the Checkout Process

    September 15, 2023

    Linkedin-in Twitter

    Advertise With Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Subscribe
    ©2023 PaymentsJournal.com

    • Analysts Coverage
    • Truth In Data
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    Menu
    • Analysts Coverage
    • Truth In Data
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Industry Opinions
    • Recent News
    • Resources
    Menu
    • Industry Opinions
    • Recent News
    • Resources
    • Analysts Coverage
    • Truth In Data
    • Podcasts
    • Industry Opinions
    • Faster Payments
    • News
    • Jobs
    • Events
    No Result
    View All Result