Biometric data collection evolves and expands in Canada

The federal government'splanto increase its collection ofbiometric data from visitorsto Canada hasbeen met with concern, but the practice isalready a large part of our day-to-day lives.

Biometrics measure aperson's unique physiological characteristics includingface,iris,retinal veins,fingerprints, voice and hand geometry to verify identity.

• How facial recognition is creeping into daily life

Citizenship and Immigration Canadatold CBC News that digital photos and fingerprints are "the only biometrics data applicants will have to provide" under the government's plan for expanded collection of data. Visitors will have to pay $85 to cover the cost of data collection.

Here are some ways that biometrics already touch our lives.

How it works now

The government currently collects thebiometricdata offoreign nationals from29 countries and one territory.For an $85 fee, a visitor's fingers are scanned on a glass screen and their digital photo is taken. Exemptions include thoseunder 14or over80 years of age, as well as diplomats.

New regulations expectedby 2018-19 would expand screening to include visitors from about 150 more countries, including thosevisitors who need visas, work or study permits. The government expects it willcollect the biometric data of 2.9 million people per year under the new regulations.Americans are exempt.

Move to biometrics launched in 2008

The government first announced it wasmoving to biometrics in 2008because they are morereliable than the use of subjective photo identification.

The 2008 budget said, "Border security remains a priority for Canadians. Criminals are increasingly more sophisticated and well-funded, including those who engage in document fraud to illegally move people or goods across borders."

Facial recognition since 2009

Passport Canada has usedfacial recognition technology since 2009 scanning for duplicate images in a database of 34 million imagestocombat fraudulent applications.The agency'sidentity fraud deskalerted the RCMP after the technologydetected two passports issued to murder suspect RobbyAlkhalil in 2012. Each year,Passport Canada identifies about 65genuine passportsthat were issued to fraudsters.

Canada 'catching up'

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander responded to criticism that the new measures went too far by saying that Canada is actually "catching up" to 70 other countries, such as the United States and Australia. He said the data will be stored for 15 years.

Prime Minister StephenHarper said Thursday thatCanada already has access to biometric data collected by other countries. He said Canada would share its data with other countries, but thatprivacy and legal standards will be in place to protect Canadians.

'Fingerpoints' controversy

Montreal amusement park LaRondecame under fire last year forscanningbiometric dataof visitors at park gates even though it had not been approved to do so.LaRonde had not appliedunder theCommission d'accs l'information duQubecto operate a biometric database, theQuebec privacy commissioner said at the time. The park said its "fingerpoints" system, whichscanned the index fingersof season-pass holders, was meant to speed up admission.

Finger scanning is used at theme parks in the United States, includingDisney, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

Apple iPhonefingerprint scanner

Biometricsmade a mainstream splash with the 2013 launch of the iPhone5S, which featured a "Touch ID" that uses a person's fingerprint to unlock the phone. But similar technologyappeared in commercial gadgets a decade earlier when Sony introduced a thumb drivewith a fingerprint scanner.

Need for 'special precautions'

In a letter to parliamentarians this week,Privacy Commissioner DanielTherrienwarned that the collection ofbiometricinformation should come with"special precautions" to ensure the protection ofCanadian privacy laws.

"It is imperative that government institutions andother organizations think carefully before proposing initiatives that call for the expanded collection, use or disclosure ofbiometricinformation. The challenge is to design, implement and operate a system that actually improves identification services, without unduly compromising privacy."