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Army Biometric Applications

Identifying and Addressing Sociocultural Concerns

Cover: MR-1237 | Army Biometric Applications: Identifying and Addressing Sociocultural Concerns

By: John D. Woodward, Katharine Watkins Webb, Elaine M. Newton, Melissa A. Bradley, David Rubenson, Kristina Larson, Jacob Lilly, Katie Smythe, Brian Houghton, Harold Alan Pincus, Jonathan Schachter, Paul Steinberg

Every human possesses more than one virtually infallible form of identification. Known as biometrics, examples include fingerprints, iris and retinal scans, hand geometry, and other measures of physical characteristics and personal traits. Advances in computers and related technologies have made this a highly automated process through which recognition occurs almost instantaneously. With concern about its information assurance systems and physical access control increasing, the Army has undertaken an assessment of how it can use biometrics to improve security, efficiency, and convenience. This report examines the sociocultural concerns that arise among soldiers, civilian employees, and the general public when the military mandates widespread use of biometrics. The authors see no significant legal obstacles to Army use of biometrics but recommend that the Army go beyond the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 to allay concerns related to this emerging technology. This report should be of interest to those responsible for access control as well as anyone concerned about privacy and technology issues.

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Paperback Cover Price: $25.00

Discounted Web Price: $22.50

Pages: 225

ISBN/EAN: 0-8330-2985-1

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Contents

Preface PDF

Figures PDF

Tables PDF

Summary PDF

Acknowledgments PDF

Acronyms PDF

Chapter One:
Introduction PDF

Chapter Two:
A Primer on Biometric Technology PDF

Chapter Three:
What Concerns Do Biometrics Raise and How Do They Differ from Concerns About Other Identification Methods PDF

Chapter Four:
What Steps Can the Army Take to Address These Concerns? PDF

Chapter Five:
What Is the Feasibility of a National Biometric Center? PDF

Chapter Six:
Conclusions and Recommendations PDF

Appendix A:
Biometrics: A Technical Primer PDF

Appendix B:
Program Reports PDF

Appendix C:
Legal Assessment: Legal Concerns Raised by the Army's Use of Biometrics PDF

Appendix D:
Biometric Consortium PDF

Appendix E:
Individuals Interviewed PDF

Bibliography PDF

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