When was biometrics first used?

In recent years, biometric authentication has entered the mainstream; facial recognition on smartphones, technologies to speed up the airport experience, finger print access to online banking apps, or even biometric payment cards are just a few examples.

While it may appear to be a novel notion, biometrics has been around for decades.

Biometrics can be traced back to ancient times when fingerprints and handprints were used to sign and seal documents.

The application of biometrics as a tool for identification and security purposes began in the late nineteenth century with the work of Alphonse Bertillon.  In 1879, a French police officer established an anthropometry method that involves measuring numerous physical traits such as height, weight, and the size of the head, arms, and feet to identify criminals. This approach was widely utilized by police agencies around the world and was regarded the gold standard for identification until the early twentieth century.

In the early 20th century, the first fingerprinting systems were developed and their use became widespread.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, biometric technologies such as voice, iris, and facial identification were created. These technologies became economically viable in the 2010s and have been widely employed since then.

Different types of biometric identifiers:

• Iris
• Face
• Tone of voice
• Handwriting
• Vein pattern
• Gestures

Biometrics is now employed in a variety of applications such as border control, law enforcement, access control, and identity verification. With the use of advanced algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, biometric systems have grown increasingly sophisticated.

Biometric authentication is a security procedure that uses an individual's unique biological traits to confirm they are who they say they are. Biometric authentication systems compare physical or behavioral characteristics to data that has been verified and saved in a database.