On behalf of the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs and at the request of the JURI and PETI Committees, Wendehorst had analysed the use of biometric techniques from an ethical and legal perspective. Biometric techniques raise a number of specific ethical issues, as an individual cannot easily change biometric features, and as these techniques tend to intrude into the human body and ultimately the human self.

In her presentation, Wendehorst highlighted main concerns, which may be rooted in data collection, mass surveillance, abuse or irresponsible decision-making. She emphasized the need for an objective debate about risks and opportunities and concluded that the use of biometric techniques in Europe should be restricted and further regulated, but not banned.

The entire study can be found and downloaded here.