Biometric technology has long been used for security and law enforcement purposes such as national security watch lists, passport controls, criminal fingerprint databases, and immigration processing. Now, however, the private sector increasingly uses these systems as a verification method for authentication that previously required a PIN or password. Apple’s decision to include a fingerprint scanner in the iPhone in 2013 brought new public awareness to possible non-law-enforcement applications of biometric technologies, and the company’s shift to facial recognition access in the most recent models further normalized the concept. Biometric technology continues to be adopted in many sectors, including financial services, transportation, health care, computer systems and facility access, and voting. In many cases, this technology is more efficient, less expensive, and easier to use than traditional alternatives, while also eliminating the need for passwords, which are broadly recognized as an insufficiently secure safeguard for user data. However, as with any digital system, there are privacy concerns around the collection, use, storage, sharing, and analysis of the data that are generated by these systems.
Africa’s Data Protection Reforms: A Continental Perspective on the Drivers of Change in Legal Frameworks
1. Introduction Within an evolving digital landscape, several African jurisdictions have proposed a variety of reforms to existing and novel legal frameworks that regulate the processing of personal data, and the development and deployment of new technologies. Across the continent, there is a growing consensus among legislators on the need to create a regulatory environment […]
AI Audits, Equity Awareness in Data Privacy Methods, and Facial Recognition Technologies are Major Topics During This Year’s Privacy Papers for Policymakers Events
Author: Judy Wang, Communications Intern, FPF The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) hosted two engaging events honoring 2023’s must-read privacy scholarship at the 14th Annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers ceremonies. On Tuesday, February 27, FPF hosted a Capitol Hill event featuring an opening keynote by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) as well as facilitated discussions […]
FPF in 2023: A Year in Review
As 2023 comes to an end, we want to reflect on a year that saw the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) continue to expand its presence globally and domestically while organizing engaging events, publishing thought-provoking analysis, providing the latest expert updates, and more. FPF continues to convene industry experts, academics, consumer advocates, and other experts […]
FPF in 2022: A Year in Review
As 2022 comes to an end, we wanted to reflect on a year that saw the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) expand its presence both domestically and around the globe, while producing engaging events, thought-provoking analysis, and insightful publications. Global Expansion In 2022, FPF closely followed and advised upon significant developments in Asia, the European […]
FPF Provides Input on Draft Colorado Privacy Act Regulations
On September 30th, The Colorado Department of Law released draft regulations to implement the Colorado Privacy Act. The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) filed written comments in response to the proposed rules on November 7th. Furthermore, FPF’s Keir Lamont and Felicity Slater participated in public stakeholder sessions hosted by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office as […]
FPF Report: Automated Decision-Making Under the GDPR – A Comprehensive Case-Law Analysis
On May 17, the Future of Privacy Forum launched a comprehensive Report analyzing case-law under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applied to real-life cases involving Automated Decision Making (ADM). The Report is informed by extensive research covering more than 70 Court judgments, decisions from Data Protection Authorities (DPAs), specific Guidance and other policy documents […]
At the intersection of AI and Data Protection law: Automated Decision-Making Rules, a Global Perspective (CPDP LatAm Panel)
On Thursday, 15th of July 2021, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) organised during the CPDP LatAm Conference a panel titled ‘At the Intersection of AI and Data Protection law: Automated Decision Making Rules, a Global Perspective’. The aim of the Panel was to explore how existing data protection laws around the world apply to profiling and automated decision making practices.
ITPI Event Recap – The EU Data Strategy and the Draft Data Governance Act
On May 19, 2021, the Israel Tech Policy Institute (ITPI), an Affiliate of The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF), hosted, together with the Tel Aviv University, The Stewart & Judy Colton Law and Innovation Program, an online event on the European Union’s (EU) Data Strategy and the Draft Data Governance Act (DGA). The draft DGA […]
Acting FTC Chairwoman Slaughter Highlights Priorities in Privacy Papers for Policymakers Event Keynote
The Future of Privacy Forum’s 11th-annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers event – the first event in the series to take place virtually – was a success! This year’s event featured a keynote speech by Acting FTC Chairwoman Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and facilitated discussions between the winning authors – Amy B. Cyphert, Clarisse Girot, Brittan Heller, Tiffany C. […]
Emerging Patchwork or Laboratories of Democracy? Privacy Legislation in Virginia and Other States
Stacey Gray, Pollyanna Sanderson & Samuel Adams In the absence of federal privacy legislation, U.S. states are weighing in. In Virginia, the “Consumer Data Protection Act” (“CDPA”) (HB 2307 / SB 1392) could be signed into law within weeks, and if passed, would take effect on Jan. 1, 2023. If the law passes, it would […]