High-level government representatives convene to discuss biometrics

Public sector applications brings big names to London
In a topical programme, case studies, expert presentations and panels include a wealth of input from some of the major national and international security agencies including three representatives from the US Department of Homeland Security. Kenneth Grant, Deputy Director of the DHS Office of Biometrics Identity Management opens the programme with a look the public perception of biometrics; Kim Mills, Director of the Entry/Exit Transformation Office in US Customs and Border Protection, gives an update on the US Biometrics Exit program and Jim Cole, Special Agent and National Program Manager for Victim Identification in Homeland Security Investigations is part of a new stream looking at the social impact of biometrics- with specific reference to protecting the vulnerable and children.

For a European perspective, reports from Krum Garkov, Executive Director at eu-LISA will bring delegates up to date with the Smart Borders Project while Richard Rinkens, Coordinator for Biometrics and Identity Management at the European Commission discusses the need for stronger, smarter information systems for border control.

A new look at the interaction of forensics and biometrics welcomes Gillian Tully, the UK Forensic Science Regulator to the programme. Her update is supplemented by reports from the FBI and the INTERPOL South East Asian Forensic project. The use of biometrics in law enforcement comes under the spotlight with updates on identity crime from the Australian Federal Police and on mobile police systems from the national Dutch police force.

Building trust: privacy and data protection continue to top the agenda
Privacy and data protection and the need to build consumer trust in why their biometric information is being collected and how it is handled, stored and potentially deleted continues to play a big role in the adoption of biometrics. This is particularly true in future growth areas that put biometrics at the heart of the consumer experience, for example travel, mobile payments and consumer electronics.

In a dedicated session leading experts, including Pam Dixon, Executive Director of the World Privacy Forum, look at current thinking and highlight how the law needs to change to keep pace with technology.

Additional breakout sessions over the three days look at developments in the key vertical markets for biometrics with a strong focus on in financial services/mobile payments.

Isabelle Moeller, Programme chair and CEO of the Biometrics Institute, is excited about the quality of this year's programme: "We are once again delighted with the high calibre of speakers coming to London for Biometrics 2016. This event will give delegates a unique opportunity to learn from representatives of major international biometric implementations and projects and provides an outstanding opportunity to share, understand and discuss how biometrics can offer security and authentication solutions for their own projects."