Citation

O'Neil PH. Stud. Conflict Terrorism 2005; 28(6): 547-566.

Affiliation

Department of Politics and Government, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10576100591008962

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Biometrics, which relies on physical characteristics to identify individuals, enjoys growing support as a counterterrorist tool. However, there is little evidence in this regard. On the contrary, one danger is that biometric systems, such as national identification cards, would create a new target for terrorists to strike, paralyzing critical infrastructure. Given these limitations, why are countries moving toward this questionable form of security? Advocates of biometrics have been able to make powerful claims that play to public perceptions of risk in general, and the threat of terrorism in particular. This article suggests decentralized methods of identification and verification.