RAND Report Warns Digital ID and Biometrics Pose Surveillance Risks
A new report from RAND Europe highlights the dual nature of emerging technologies like biometrics, digital identity, and AI in security sectors. While these technologies can enhance identity verification, reduce fraud, and improve government services, they also carry significant risks. The report, titled 'Novel Technologies for Security Sector Governance and Management,' emphasizes that without robust governance, independent oversight, and human rights protections, these systems could lead to discriminatory surveillance, opaque decision-making, and the targeting of individuals or groups. RAND's research, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and in collaboration with the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies (RUSI), involved a five-month study, literature review, expert interviews, and workshops. The findings underscore the need for security agencies to justify the necessity of such technologies before acquisition and to integrate safeguards into t...
