Biometrics Industry Survey Highlights Growing Need for Education and Trust

The latest survey conducted by the Biometrics Institute reveals a significant shift in the biometrics landscape, particularly regarding its adoption by law enforcement agencies. The 2025 Industry Survey, which gathered insights from over 200 professionals in the biometrics field worldwide, highlights the increasing relevance of responsible and ethical biometric practices.

A key finding is the notable rise in biometrics usage among police and other law enforcement bodies. Respondents anticipate that digital identity and artificial intelligence (AI) will be primary areas of growth. Additionally, there is an expected transformation in national identity programs that could further influence the market dynamics. Throughout these discussions, the emphasis on building trust remains paramount.

The survey follows the release of the Concepts and Solutions Report by the Biometrics Institute, which explores emerging technologies and their societal implications from the perspective of biometric providers. This report examines 30 real-world use cases, offering practical insights into the need for transparency and accountability in biometric systems.

The Institute’s commitment to promoting responsible biometric usage includes a recent call to action in Australia aimed at addressing the challenges raised in the survey. The updated version of the Institute’s Privacy Guidelines can assist organizations in tackling issues like deepfakes and other privacy concerns highlighted in the report.

Education emerges as another crucial theme in the survey results. An overwhelming 84 percent of participants believe that public acceptance of biometrics will require education that extends beyond the professional community. To address this need, the Biometrics Institute has introduced the Fundamentals of Biometrics, a new online course designed for individuals outside the field of professional biometrics practitioners.

The Biometrics Institute has a long-standing reputation for advocating responsible practices in the industry, underscored by its ongoing series of events aimed at keeping professionals informed about the latest advancements. A pressing concern among respondents is the threat posed by deepfakes, with 85 percent agreeing that this technology represents a significant risk to the integrity of biometrics. This concern has led experts to predict that multimodal biometrics—integrating multiple biometric modalities—will see greater growth than individual modalities in the coming years.

As the biometrics landscape evolves, the emphasis on education and trust will play a critical role in ensuring the technology is utilized ethically and responsibly. The insights from the 2025 Industry Survey serve as a call to action for industry stakeholders to enhance public understanding and confidence in biometric systems.