Contrary to popular belief, the concept of using a biometric for identity verification purposes is not new.
by Julian Ashbourn

It started in ancient times (the ancient Egyptians and others routinely used this approach) and was given a boost in the 1960s when we started to use electronics to automate the matching process.

Since then, both capture devices and matching algorithms have been refined in order to provide a brace of perfectly workable biometric techniques. Furthermore, device cost has reduced to a point where many biometric readers may be considered more in the framework of mainstream computer peripherals, rather than expensive specialist devices.

Actually, the fundamental building blocks of automated biometric identity verification are simple enough. We need to capture the required trait, such as fingerprint, facial image etc., and match this live sample against a previously registered example. This matching process may be a straightforward pattern matching exercise or the comparison of two digital representations based upon minutiae or calculated measurements. These are straightforward and well understood technical processes, there is nothing mystical about them and the plethora of self styled biometrics ‘experts’ who practice the ‘black magic’ approach to such matters, pretending that it is all terribly complicated, do a disservice to all concerned. Indeed, most of the issues around the implementation of large scale projects incorporating biometrics are not technical at all, but revolve around processes, integration and, of course, politics. It is time to drop the black magic and get down to some plain, common sense thinking and associated dialogue.

It is in this vein that the International Biometrics Foundation (IBF) was formed, largely in response to repeated requests from individuals and organisations who were dissatisfied with existing groups and associations operating within this sphere, and who were looking for a straight talking, no-nonsense forum within which intelligent discussion and real work could be undertaken. The IBF rose to this challenge and, even before it’s first official meeting had instigated work programs, which have subsequently proved extremely valuable to the international community. By the time of the second meeting, the IBF had formed links and relationships around the world, with IBF concepts such as The Biometric Registration Model, The Biometric Operability Index, The Biometric and Token Technology Application Modelling Language, The Biometric Roadmap and others, being actively discussed and refined. In a few short months, the IBF has literally changed the face of biometrics. IBF personnel and group members have liaised internationally with governments, industry and academia, making considerable progress with regard to the intelligent application of biometric technology within real world operational environments.

In addition, the IBF has been an untiring vocal champion for the ethical use of such technologies, introducing the Biometric Users Charter and providing the first international on-line users survey on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, the foundation is happy to provide a voice for every sector of the broader community, wherever they are based and whatever their concerns. In this and many other respects the IBF is unique and continues to embrace the broader and sometimes difficult issues surrounding the wider scale introduction of these technologies into the public sector. It continues to develop the understanding of User Psychology, another IBF concept, and supports various initiatives to bring consistency to the articulation of related requirements and associated application development, right through to procurement and training.

Government agencies in particular would benefit from joining the IBF, due to its non political, non commercial nature and the consequent ability to follow an impartial path. Furthermore, expertise within the IBF is second to none, with very considerable experience in both biometrics and related technologies as well as the broader IT sphere. In addition, there is unparalleled experience in key application areas such as aviation and border control, the financial sector, e-government and more. Industry and academia are also welcome within the IBF, where they will find a wealth of practical information and advice. Indeed, the IBF knowledgebase and series of tutorials has been particularly well received, as has Biograph, the IBF quarterly journal. Details of how to join the foundation are available on the IBF website, which may be found on www.ibfoundation.com

So what of the future? In addition to the thousands of applications currently running in various strands of the private sector, there are significant aspirations in the government sector, and on an international basis. These have been stimulated by security concerns following the tragic events in America in 2001 and are mostly around citizen ID, whether specifically for border control or more general social service purposes. There have been many well publicised technology trials in related areas and it is clear that many countries intend to incorporate biometric functionality across several public sector areas. While there are a small number of relatively large scale applications in place, most are still at the aspiration stage and this presents us with an interesting situation. The technology itself is well understood as regards its technical limitations, but there are several gaps in the understanding of many governments in areas such as human factors, user psychology, interoperability (of process as well as technical matters), scalability, sustainability and other factors. Furthermore, there are few governments taking a longer term view of such matters, with much of the thinking being decidedly around short term political goals. Consequently, there is a very real danger of large scale applications being implemented in a sub-optimal manner for reasons of expediency. To guard against this, there needs to be a rapid enhancement of the understanding around related issues and greater engagement in terms of coordination between government agencies and, in some cases, countries. The IBF is actively addressing these issues accordingly.

Another important strand is the use of biometric technology within the mainstream IT world, where there are many potential applications. Already, there are a brace of perfectly good products designed for network access control, which integrate with the popular desktop and network operating systems. Beyond this, specialist applications have been developed by independent systems integrators in key vertical markets such as health care and banking. However, these have tended to be bespoke in nature with little consistency in the way they are specified, developed, implemented, maintained and audited. There is a solution to this dilemma in the form of BANTAM (Biometric and Token Technology Application Modelling Language), an open distribution methodology managed and maintained by the IBF. BANTAM covers the entire spectrum from high level aspiration to ongoing maintenance of the implemented solution. It provides for intuitive communication between disparate entities such as marketing, business development, technical support, application development, training, procurement and others. The modelling language itself is complemented by a standard documentation set which brings consistency and re-use to major programs, extending through to application development, application support and ongoing audits. BANTAM has been welcomed across many countries with an enthusiastic user community which ensures ongoing refinement as technology itself develops. The use of BANTAM should be a prerequisite for any large scale program. Additional information may be found on www.avanti.1to1.org or on the IBF web site.

There are several other strands which need to be developed, including an understanding of the societal impact of the widespread introduction of biometric and related technologies for personal identity verification purposes. This is a complex area, requiring a robust and qualified understanding of such matters in order to undertake further research and reach sound conclusions. It is an area where the IBF has already made significant strides forward and achieved much. Indeed, the very concept was first raised by IBF members several years ago, and has subsequently been accepted into mainstream thinking throughout the world.

The ‘international’ in the International Biometric Foundation is more than just a fancy title. It is in fact central to the manner in which the foundation operates and has been so right from the start. The IBF has been active in the Americas, the Asia Pacific region and throughout Europe, doing much to bring people together and promote a broader awareness and understanding of the real issues surrounding the implementation of biometric and related technologies. In this vein, the foundation is open to all and membership is encouraged regardless of physical location, spoken language or cultural complexion. This openness has already paid dividends and will no doubt continue to do so as the foundation continues along its pioneering path.