Over the next few years the number of users of digital IDs is predicted to increase by more than 50 % from 4.2 billion in 2022 to 6.5 billion in 2026 .
EXPERT OPINION
Over the next few years the number of users of digital IDs is predicted to increase by more than 50 % from 4.2 billion in 2022 to 6.5 billion in 2026 .
Securing healthcare data
In the healthcare sector , biometrics are vital for patient identification and recordkeeping . Electronic health records ( EHRs ) integrated with biometrics enable accurate patient identification , preventing medical errors and ensuring personalised care .
For example , when a patient moves from one healthcare provider to another , there is a risk of losing important data along the way . And the consequences can be considerable . If the patient has an allergy to a certain drug and this isn ’ t made clear to the healthcare provider , the patient ’ s health is put at great risk should they be inadvertently administered said drug . Biometric patient identification mitigates that risk by ensuring greater accuracy and transparency when sharing critical health attributes and medical histories for patients – a scan of one ’ s finger or face can provide details on their specific health-related information that the healthcare provider requires to do their job .
Moreover , telemedicine platforms can use biometrics for secure patient authentication during virtual consultations .
More convenient retail and financial sector interactions
Retailers increasingly use biometrics for secure transactions and offer personalised customer experiences . Biometric authentication allows for seamless and secure payments , reducing the risk of fraud . Thanks to a digital identity , retailers can also ensure
that the customer in question meets any age-restrictions , such as confirming they are over the age of 18 when attempting to purchase alcohol .
In the financial sector , biometrics enable quick and secure access to banking services through mobile apps or ATMs , enhancing user convenience while maintaining robust security measures .
Biometrics in law enforcement and criminal justice
Law enforcement agencies can leverage biometrics for criminal identification and investigation . Biometric databases aid in the identification of suspects through fingerprint , facial recognition , or DNA analysis . This enhances public safety and expedites criminal investigations by quickly matching biometric data against vast repositories .
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