HIDE – Homeland Security, Biometric Identification & Personal Detection Ethics

Project's Terms of Reference
1. To define and consider bioethical issues arising from emerging biometric identification technologies.
2. To survey the current field of research, in particular, to review:
a) the evidence for the importance of biometric identification technologies for security purposes in the biomedical field;
b) the evidence for the importance of biometric identification technologies to avoid illicit use of social welfare and medical support ;
c) the basis for using biometric technologies as a source of biomedical information about individuals;
3. To consider potential applications of biometric identification technologies and the risk of function creep and data misuse.
4. To consider:
a) the ethics of the informatization of the body;
b) the ethical implications of applying biometrics to verify and authenticate identities in the medical and social care sector;
c) the ethical impact of biometric technologies on vulnerable groups;
d) the broader impact of biometrics on those with relevant physical characteristics and special needs, including questions about stigma.