Sharing biometrics with private organizations vs. government agencies

Abstract

The widespread use of biometric technology has made biometrics a part of our day-to-day lives. For example, biometrics are employed to purchase goods, unlock smart devices, board planes, or gain access to establishments. This quantitative study investigates attitudes of individuals towards biometric information and its sharing. In addition, the study aims to determine whether these attitudes are influences by the type of institution, such as private organizations or government agencies with whom the information is shared. In this work, biometrics, their widespread use, privacy, and security concerns affiliated with their use are briefly discussed. An online survey consisting of 28 questions was utilized to gather data from 298 participants. The data were analyzed using t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical methods. The analysis shows that certain factors such as level of education, age, affiliation with a specific group (undergraduate students vs. other campus community members), and technical skills influence individuals’ attitudes towards sharing biometric information. The research concluded that surveyed individuals are more willing to share biometric information with private organizations than government agencies. In addition, undergraduate students are more inclined to share their biometric information than other campus community members, and the level of education individuals achieve influences their decision on this issue.