15. Biometric Devices

There is an increasing trend towards using biometric data from people in order to identify them.

Finger print and retinal identification are being used in many places now and even facial recognition systems are starting to be introduced.

Specialised scanning devices are needed to capture the biometric data which is then passed onto the computer for processing and identification.

A common use of biometric data is in the modern UK passport. A microchip is included in the passport that contains the electronic data unique to the person. At passport control, a biometric reader is used to confirm identity.

Biometric authentification methods can be used to identify you at ATMs to withdraw cash, in computer networks to allow you to log on and many schools are now introducing 'fingerprint registration'!