Queues spotted in S’pore as people get their eyes scanned for cryptocurrency

Dr Sanka Rasnayaka, a lecturer from the department of computer science at the National University of Singapore’s School of Computing, cautioned against giving biometric data to private entities.

He noted that governments are held to higher standards in safeguarding biometric data and maintaining transparency about its use.

Dr Rasnayaka, who researches biometrics and artificial intelligence, said biometrics can be misused for identity theft, surveillance and discrimination, as it reveals information such as a person’s age, race, gender and even certain medical conditions.

In a data leak or breach involving personal biometric data, the effects might be irreversible if bad actors get their hands on the information.

“Criminals could use stolen biometric data to impersonate victims on platforms that rely on biometric identity, such as banks and government services,” he said. “Biometric data cannot be changed, making any breach potentially lifelong.”

The Straits Times, 28 July 2024