EPIC Calls For Impact Assessments of Biometric Technologies

In comments to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (“OSTP”), EPIC emphasized the need for meaningful impact assessments of all biometric technologies. The comments were in response to OSTP’s Request for Information on Public and Private Sector Uses of Biometric Technologies. EPIC stated “it is essential that impact assessments for biometric technologies operate as true decision points and not as box-checking exercises used to legitimize foregone conclusions.” EPIC argued that impact assessments of biometric technologies are necessary to mitigate the privacy and human rights risks and that some biometric technologies should not be deployed in the first place. EPIC has previously supported legislation to stop government use of facial recognition and other biometric surveillance tools.