Biometrics and Its Prospects: Between Total Identification and Digital Autonomy Introduction: From Identification to Authentication Biometrics, the technology of recognizing individuals based on unique physiological or behavioral characteristics, is undergoing a transformation from a tool of intelligence agencies to a daily infrastructure element. Its development is determined by the conflicting interaction of three vectors: the pursuit of security and convenience, the commercialization of data, and growing demands for privacy protection. The future of biometrics lies not in the simple expansion of application areas, but in deep integration with artificial intelligence systems, rethinking legal frameworks, and the emergence of new, hybrid forms of digital identity. 1. Evolution of Technological Paradigms Classical biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris recognition) faces challenges: Vulnerability to spoofing (deception): masks, silicone fingerprints, contact lenses with an iris pattern. Static data: if compromised, a biometric template cannot be changed like a password. In response, new paradigms are forming: Multimodal biometrics: the combination of several methods (face + voice + gait) significantly increases reliability and reduces the risk of spoofing. Systems in airports (such as in Dubai or Singapore) already use cascade verification. Behavioral biometrics (behavioral biometrics): analysis of unique patterns — typing dynamics, gestures on a touch screen, walking style, even heart rate characteristics. These features are continuous, dynamic, and extremely difficult to forge. Chinese companies, such as Ant Financial, are already using mouse and keyboard movement analysis for continuous authentication in financial applications. Biometrics based on bioelectric signals: identification by electrocardiogram (ECG) or electroencephalogram (EEG). Devices like the Nymi Band smartwatch use the uniqueness of the heart's electrical signal to unlock devices. ... Read more