Issues in ICT

Biometrics

Biometrics

Definition

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What is Biometrics?➤ By definition, biometric technology refers to a measurable, observable physical characteristic or behavioral trait that may be used to verify an applicant's identity. It is a form of identification that relies on the uniqueness and permanence of these traits to establish and verify an individual's identity.

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Examples

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Examples of Biometrics➤ Over the span of its release, there have been numerous types of biometric technologies, some of which include:Fingerprint Recognition: Records and examines unique patterns on fingertips for identification and confirmation.Facial Recognition: Identifies and analyses distinctive aspects of the face to confirm identity.Iris Recognition: Generates a special biometric template of the individual's iris for identification and authentication.Voice Recognition: Uses distinctive vocal traits to authenticate identity.Palm Vein Recognition: Records and examines the vein patterns in the palm to provide identity and verification.Behavioural Biometrics: Uses distinct behavioral patterns such as the way an individual walks.Hand Geometry Recognition: This method uses an individual's hand size and shape to identify them and control access.Retina Recognition: Identifies and verifies the retina by scanning and analyzing distinct blood vessel patterns in the back of the eye.

Daily Use

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How it is Used Every Day➤ Biometrics is bound to be used every day. Some of the ways it may occur include:Unlocking Smartphones: To unlock devices, biometric authentication techniques such as fingerprint sensors, facial recognition, or iris scanners are used.Airport Security: Biometrics is used in airport security systems through identity verification, watchlist screening, and passenger processing.Banking and Finance: Biometrics are used in banking and finance for secure authentication, fraud prevention, and identity verification.Workplace Access Control: Biometric systems automate access management, prevent unauthorized entry, and monitor employee attendance. Healthcare Facilities: Biometric systems ensure patient privacy, and guarantee precise patient matching.Purchasing Products: to purchase items in person or online, biometric authentication techniques like fingerprint sensors are used

Effects

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Effects of Biometrics➤ Numerous industries have been significantly impacted by biometric technology, especially those involved in identity verification and security. Below are some of the main effects of biometric technology.

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Advantages

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Advantages of Biometrics➤ The advantages of biometrics include:Enhanced Security: Because biometrics uses unique physical and biological traits for identification and authentication, it offers a higher level of security compared to traditional methods like passwords or PINs as it is far more difficult to steal or duplicate someone's biometric data. Convenience: Since biometric systems don't require complicated passwords or PINs to be remembered or entered, they are quick and simple to use.Non-transferable: Biometric characteristics are specific to each person and are not easily shared or transmitted, which makes them more secure and challenging to hack.Decreased fraud: Since it is far more difficult for unauthorized people to access sensitive data, biometric authentication helps lower the risk of fraud and identity theft. 

Disadvantages

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Disadvantages of Biometrics➤ The disadvantages of biometrics include:Privacy concerns: Given the extremely personal and sensitive nature of biometric data, there are concerns over its collection, storage, and usage, as well as the possibility of misuse or unauthorized access. Accuracy issues: Biometric systems are not always 100% accurate, which can lead to false positives and negatives that result in inconvenience or security risks.Cost: Putting in place biometric authentication systems can be costly, both in terms of the initial setup and continuing support and maintenance requirements.

Advancements

Advancements

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Technological Advancements➤ Occurs when applied sciences or technologies advance in precision, accuracy, efficiency, power, or capability that results in new and improved products and services. These advancements have brought a great deal of change throughout history, most of the changes being for the better. Below, we'll examine three significant technological developments, what they are used for, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.

Assistive Tech

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What is Assistive Technology?➤ Assistive technology is any product, piece of machinery, or system, whether bought commercially off the shelf, altered, or specially made, that helps people with disabilities retain, grow, or enhance their functional abilities to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. It helps the individual blend in and participate more in society.

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Used For

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What is it Used For?➤ Assistive technology can support people with disabilities in a variety of ways, some of which include: Effective communication: Uses assistive technology tools such as eye-tracking systems, voice-generating devices, and text-to-speech software for people with speech or language impairments.Mobility: Uses devices such as wheelchairs, canes, and prosthetic limbs that allow people to move around independently and access various settings.Daily Living: Uses devices such as reachers, dressing aids, and home automation systems that enable people with physical limitations to be independent.Vision and Hearing: Uses tools such as magnifiers, braille displays, hearing aids, and cochlear implants for people with visual or hearing impairments to access and communicate more efficiently.Employment: Uses devices like screen magnifiers, speech recognition software, ergonomic tools, and adaptive workstations to help people with disabilities perform work-related tasks.

Pros & Cons

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Pros of Assistive Technology➤ Assistive technology offers numerous benefits for individuals with disabilities that can: Increase Independence: Assists individuals with disabilities in performing tasks, communicating, and accessing information independently.Improve Quality of Life: Provides customized support and accommodations, enhancing participation in activities and society.Support Access to Education and Employment: Supports individuals with disabilities in accessing education, acquiring skills, and workforce participation.Provide Customization and Flexibility: Addresses unique challenges and requirements of individuals with disabilities.Cons of Assistive Technology➤ Despite the various benefits of assistive technology, there are some drawbacks to it, including:Cost: The high cost of assistive technology equipment and services prevents individuals with little money or insurance from using them.Complexity: Some devices require substantial training and technical support, making them difficult for those with limited skills or cognitive impairments.Stigma and Social Barriers: Using assistive technology can harm social integration and self-esteem.Privacy and Ethical Issues: Using assistive technology presents ethical issues with data security, privacy, autonomy, and permission.

Augmented Reality

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What is Augmented Reality?➤ Augmented reality is an interactive experience that adds computer-generated perceptual data to the physical environment. Unlike VR, which is completely virtual, AR uses real-world settings by adding virtual elements that interact with physical surroundings.

Used For

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What is it Used For?➤ Augmented reality can be used in a variety of ways that can include: Entertainment and Gaming: AR is used to generate interactive games and immersive experiences.Retail and E-Commerce: Offers interactive product demos, virtual try-on experiences, and customized shopping experiences.Healthcare and Medicine: Uses AR for medical training, surgical simulations, patient education, and visualization of medical images.Architecture and Design: Visualizes construction projects, interior designs, and building blueprints in a realistic setting.Marketing and Advertising: Produces materials, product demos, and interactive brand experiences.Tourism & Travel: Offers virtual tours, augmented navigation, and interactive guides.Maintenance and Repair: Offers technicians real-time data overlays, visual instructions, and interactive guidance for maintaining and repairing equipment.

Pros & Cons

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Pros of Augmented Reality➤ The benefits of Augmented reality include:Enhanced User Experience: Improves user experience by combining virtual content with the real world. Increased Engagement: Personalised experiences, virtual simulations, and interactive gaming all boost user engagement. Interactive Learning: Through 3D models, simulations, and visualizations, interactive learning is improved. Visualization and Communication: Makes complicated data, designs, and concepts easier to visualize and communicate. Personalized Experiences: Offers tailored experiences according to context, location, and user preferences.Cons of Augmented Reality➤ Although augmented reality is beneficial, there are some concerns and drawbacks to it, including:Technical Limitations: AR may have limited device compatibility, hardware requirements, network connectivity issues, and performance constraints.Privacy and Security Concerns: AR raises concerns about data collection, tracking, and sharing of personal information.User Experience Design: Requires careful consideration of user interface, interaction design, content placement, and usability. Accessibility and Cost: AR may be expensive, which restricts accessibility for people and organizations with little funding. Social and Ethical Issues: AR brings up moral questions about digital rights, social relationships, ownership of data, permission, and privacy.

Artificial Intelligence

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What is Artificial Intelligence?➤ The term used to describe how machines, usually computer systems, simulate human intelligence processes, is known as artificial intelligence. It allows these machines to carry out tasks that would usually require human intelligence like learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. 

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Used For

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What is it Used For?➤ In this day and age, artificial intelligence is used for a variety of industries and fields which can include:Robotics: AI-driven autonomous systems and robots carry out industrial automation, healthcare support, exploration, surveillance, and disaster relief.Healthcare: AI-powered tools help with drug development, personalized medicine, diagnosis, treatment planning, health monitoring, and patient care. Education: AI tools such as ChatGPt can be used for students and teachers to perform work-related tasks more efficiently. Finance: AI is used in the financial industry for fraud detection, risk assessment, algorithmic trading, credit scoring, and investment analysis.Marketing and Advertising: AI techniques improve ad targeting, content production, sentiment analysis, customer segmentation, and marketing campaigns (YouTube, TikTok, etc.).Autonomous Vehicles: AI powers both autonomous and self-driving automobiles. (Tesla)

Pros & Cons

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Pros of Artificial Intelligence➤ Some of the benefits of artificial intelligence include: Automation: AI simplifies procedures, boosting effectiveness and productivity.Decision Making: By analyzing massive data sets, AI facilitates quicker and better-informed decision-making.Personalisation: AI systems improve consumer satisfaction by tailoring user experiences to each individual.Predictive analytics: AI predicts patterns, foresees results, reduces risks, and spots opportunities.Improvements in Healthcare: Medical diagnosis, treatment planning, drug development, personalized medicine, and health monitoring.Safety and Security: AI improves risk management, fraud detection, threat monitoring, and cybersecurity.Cons of Artificial Intelligence➤ Although AI simplifies a handful of human processes, there are some disadvantages to it, including:Bias and Unfairness: When making decisions, AI systems may display prejudice or discrimination. Job displacement: Robotics and AI automation could result in unemployment and skill deficits.Over-reliance on AI: When AI systems are used without human supervision, mistakes, biases, malfunctions, or unexpected outcomes might occur.Absence of Regulation: As AI technologies develop more quickly than legal frameworks, questions concerning transparency and accountability are raised.Ethical Dilemmas: Concerns regarding privacy, transparency, responsibility, autonomy, bias, and societal influence are raised by AI.