Patent Filing Describes Our Biometric Security Future
8:51 am, March 27th, 2009, Lonnie Lazar
Apple filed for patents last September that suggest the company may be working on biometric security technology together with optical and voice recognition software to enhance traditional password security for its devices.
According to a report published for the first time this week, the patent filing describes methods for embedding sensors beneath touchscreens and trackpads to recognize fingerprints and vein patterns; device cameras and microphones would authenticate retinal patterns or facial features and recognize a user’s distinctive voice. There is even a suggestion of collecting DNA samples to recognize a user’s genetic sequence. Biometrics could also be context-sensitive and detect the shape of a user’s ear before allowing a call to go through, for example.
Makes that neural interface revolution seem a little more likely, doesn’t it?
Posted by Lonnie Lazar in Apple, News | Comment on this article
Did you notice the terminal app?
And what is Blocks?
Darcy Taranto, on March 27th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Apple patents are getting creepier each day!
Looks like they have a bunch of creative people playing all day.
Deocliciano Okssipin Vieira, on March 27th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Apple appears to be forward-thinking, not necessarily in philosophical harmony with the technology. In fact, if Apple finds these concepts as intrusive as many of us (d0), their patents may actually hold the implementation back. Realistically there has to be a tipping point where the licensing fees will force Apple’s hand or create economic impetus to develop rival systems, but it could delay it.
Personally, I refuse to do any biometric identification, down to the electronic signature pads. Once any of this info is stored by a single device, it’s stored everywhere. How do you claim it’s not your signature on a deed transferring your house to the next Stanford or Madoff? They have a document with your signature, finger print and retina scan. You’ll have to pay dearly to prove you didn’t sign it over.
The simplest defense is not participate. When Home Depot requires an electronic signature, I just get creative, using everything from Barney Rubble to Sarah Palin (insert your own “cartoon character” joke here). When I sign bank or legal documents I carry my trusty “non-repro blue” pen. It’s invisible to many scanners. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best I can do.
Once they start requiring biometrics for voting I quit. Yes, it’s reactionary, but also necessary. I don’t care if it’s as innocuous as your iPod. Fight this any way you can, or both your security and democracy dies with it.
imajoebob, on March 28th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Cool but unnecessary for daily function. Not worth an upgrade from my 3g.
David, on March 28th, 2009 at 11:04 pm