The Human Rights Center at the University of Minnesota has released Use of Biometric Data to Identify Terrorists: Best Practice or Risky Business? a report which explores the human rights implications of biometric technologies used in a counterterrorism context. 

The report begins with an explanation of biometrics, and the ways in which they are being utilized to counter terrorism and violent extremism, especially in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2396.  The authors explore how the use of such technologies present questions related but not limited  to privacy rights, and the protection of sensitive data, detailing both State and business obligations in this regard.   

Written in an effort to “bridge the human rights guidance gap concerning the use of biometric tools” the report also highlights a range of related civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights affected and concludes that:

Efficiently tackling the rights impact of biometrics requires that relevant stakeholders adopt a comprehensive approach that considers the indivisible and interdependent character of all human rights.”  

For more information on the topics addressed including biometrics and data privacy visit the HSDL.  Please note that an HSDL login is required to view some of these resources.

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