Lobby Time for Biometrics
Science · 1999
Another technology that was once a gleam in a scientist's eye has muscled up enough to launch its own lobbying group. Last month, the $40 million biometrics industry—which makes machines that scan hands, eyes, or other body parts to confirm a person's identity—opened an office in Washington, D.C. The 15-member International Biometric Industry Association will work to smooth over privacy concerns—such as those over access by government officials to biometric scans—that could prompt Congress to impose new regulations on the evolving technology.