BiometricsThe term biometrics is commonly known as the field of developing statistical and mathematical methods applicable to data analysis problems in the biological sciences. However, even more recently it has taken on a completely new definition. Biometrics is an exciting new topic that refers to “the emerging field of technology dedicated to identifying individuals using biological traits, based on retinal or iris scanning, fingerprints, or facial recognition.” Biometrics has already started to be used in applications ranging from attendance tracking with a time clock to security checks with a large volume of people. The growing field of biometrics has been made known by two factors: the technological advancements made over the past 20 years and the growing risk of security and terrorism among people around the world. In this article I will focus on: the growing field of biometrics, why it is important to our future, how the US government has played a role in its development and use, the risks involved, public privacy implications, and further recommendations received from across the field of science and technology. Biometrics has truly been a captivating part of new age movie watching and futuristic stars brought into the 21st century. However, most normal people do not even know what lies behind these seductive “tricks” and what actually falls under the field of biometrics. Something as simple as a PIN number used for an ATM would qualify as part of this realm. Other behavioral characteristics can be things like a voiceprint or signature. Biometrics may even become so technologically advanced that video surveillance can be used to scan who enters and exits an area… in the middle of paper… in safety and freedom, first, you have to push the envelope. Seeing all the points of view on the issue of biometrics made me realize that it is better with it than without. Eventually the legislation will be passed and biometrics will come into force and become as common as a lock on your front door. Just another safety measure to keep us all safe as a family, as a neighborhood, as a state, and ultimately as a nation. Bibliography http://www.biometricscatalog.org/http://biometrics.dod.mil/content. aspx?navid=2&pageID=168http://biometrics.org/html/introduction.htmlhttp://www.computer.org/itpro/homepage/Jan_Feb/security3.htmhttp://www.eff.org/Privacy/Surveillance? biometrics/http://www.prcisebiometrics.com/http://stat.tamu.edu?~biometrics/definition.htmlhttp://archives.cnn.com/2001/Tech/computing/01/17/biometrics.future .idg/