Biometrics: The New Timecard Verifier?

Will biometrics soon find be finding its way into office cubicles? That's the question biometrics experts, privacy advocates and academic researchers discussed in Westminster, England this week while discussing the future of biometric technology in the workplace.

In addition to augmenting security controls in private companies, experts realize that utilizing biometrics could have an economic benefit as well. Hugh Carr Archer, chief executive of biometric firm Aurora stated that a customer company utilizing facial biometrics to ensure employees were working when they claimed to be saved six per cent of its wage bill by defeating the typical strategy of employees clocking in and out for each other.

“Fred, for example, clocks on work [for Bill] when the foreman’s not looking, while Bill’s at home putting his feet up. The foreman creates three ghost workers because he can then get their pay packets," Archer said.

Particularly in this economic climate, ensuring the efficiency of your staff is crucial. As a result, with facial recognition and other biometrics solutions finding its way into airports, schools, ATMs and even DMVs, the workplace may be the next spot on the horizon.

However, being cognizant of privacy implications here is important. While infringements aren't an immediate concern to many watchdogs, going forward, some are worried they could play a role. "They are a lighting rod to privacy issues," Toby Stevens, director of the Enterprise Privacy Group, said. "This is because of personal sensitivities – my face, my fingers, my eyes, my voice – and they may carry information to you that I may not wish to convey.”

Some people worry about revealing passport and social security numbers when starting a new position -- not sure how they'll feel about having their irises scanned prior to entering the office or surveillance cameras looking over their shoulder while they're on the clock. Definitely still some particulars to work out, but should be interesting to watch.