Consumers Prefer Voice Above Other Biometrics

According to a Unisys study, cited in an article on the sourcesecurity.com Website, “the biometric measures ranked by consumer preference are: voice recognition (32%), fingerprints (27%), facial scan (20%), hand geometry (12%), and iris scan (10%). This ranking seems to confirm that people prefer convenience and familiarity when choosing a biometric technology. “

Voice biometrics compared to other biometrics is:

1) User-friendly - speaking is natural and requires no special effort
2) Cost effective - verification is accomplished via telephone or microphone
3) Convenient - enables remote verification of a person’s identity

Implanted Microchips to Verify Identity?

An article in the June 5, 2010 Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) describes how one man is using an implanted radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip to verify his identity when he logs on to his computer, unlocks his car, etc. Washington State resident Amal Graafstra is one of approximately 300 people worldwide who have had an RFID chip implanted in their body. In Mr. Graafstra’s case, the chip, the size of a grain of rice, was implanted in his hand by a cosmetic surgeon in a five minute procedure.

Once the chip is implanted, various devices (e.g., locks, etc.) can be programmed to recognize the device. In spite of undergoing the implant, it’s interesting to note that Mr. Graafstra believes biometrics – including voice -- will prove superior for verifying identity. His stated goal is simply to create a dialogue on technology and its uses.

The article points out some additional potential benefits of the technology, such as the ability to “identify an Alzheimer's patient who has become lost or warn that an unconscious patient is allergic to penicillin.” However, there are obviously a myriad of social and privacy concerns as well. We’ll have to keep an eye on this one.

SpeechTEK to Feature a Dedicated Voice Biometrics Track

SpeechTEK, an annual voice solutions conference, will be held August 2-4, 2010 at the New York City Marriott Marquis Hotel. This year’s conference will feature a dedicated voice biometrics track with three sessions:

• Understanding Voice Biometrics
• Voice Biometrics to the Aid of Preventing Identity Theft
• Determine the Identity of the Caller

In addition, several voice biometrics vendors, including Convergys and Persay, will be exhibiting. Additional details about the conference can be found on SpeechTEK’s Website.

There is free admission to the exhibit area. I hope to see you there.