Businesses use biometric data to offer consumers many conveniences and benefits. For example, facial recognition software allows many consumers to open their cell phones and other electronic devices, while voice recognition software can allow us to communicate with Siri, Alexa, and Echo, and many household devices such as thermostats, lights, and smart TVs. Financial institutions are shifting from passwords to biometric identifiers to keep customer information more secure and allow customers to manage their financial transactions on any device from any location. Some businesses also use biometric data such as retina or fingerprint scans to grant individuals access restricted areas, devices or data; to track employee arrivals, departures, and attendance; and to monitor employee productivity.

Concerned with the growing use of biometric data by business, Illinois enacted the first statute (in 2008) to regulate the use, storage, security, and destruction of biometric data collected by business entities. Since then, a handful of other states and New York City have enacted biometric laws, and many more have introduced legislation that has not yet been adopted.

discuss what you see as some of the ethical issues related to the privacy and security of biometric data collected by businesses.