The growing digitization of society has fueled the search for more efficient and secure digital identity systems (ones that cannot be hacked by people or bots). However, behind the promises of innovation and democratization lies a complex web of economic interests, the surrender of rights, and risks to individual privacy.

One of the most concerning issues is the way in which companies obtain users’ consent to collect and use their biometric data. Often, the Terms of Use are lengthy, complex, and written in legal language, with an expiration date. This situation makes it difficult to understand the rights and obligations involved.

By accepting these terms, users may be waiving important rights, such as the right to privacy, data protection, and compensation for damages in the event of misuse of their personal information.

The issue becomes even more sensitive when a financial incentive is involved. In exchange for an iris scan, for example, some companies offer a monetary reward. This offer can be tempting, especially for people in vulnerable socioeconomic situations, who may not be fully aware of the risks and implications of sharing their biometric data.

If profit is one of the main drivers behind the collection of biometric data, and if every real invested is motivated by the expectation of a return, how much is your iris really worth?

For that reason, I analyzed hundreds of pages of Terms of Service, other documents such as hardware and software development documentation, and the LGPD with the help of AI.

Before we continue, why the iris?

Companies can use this data for a variety of purposes, such as:

• Personalization of ads and services:Biometric datacan be combined with other personal information to create detailed user profiles, enabling the delivery of targeted ads and the provision of personalized services.
• Development of new products and technologies:Biometric datacan be used to train artificial intelligence algorithms and develop new technologies for facial recognition, voice recognition, and other individual characteristics.
• Data sales:Biometric datamay be sold to third parties, such as marketing companies, security agencies, and governments.

The development of hardware and software for iris scanning represents a significant technological advance, but it also raises important ethical and legal questions. It is essential that users be fully aware of the risks and benefits involved before consenting to the collection of their biometric data. Companies must be transparent about their data collection and usage practices, and governments must implement strict regulations to protect citizens’ privacy.

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The debate on digital identity, biometrics, and data protection is essential for the future of society. It is important that all individuals, regardless of their background or level of knowledge, participate in this debate and contribute to building a more just, secure, and democratic digital future.

Risks and Challenges

Despite the potential advantages, a universal digital identity system based on biometrics and cryptocurrencies presents a number of risks and challenges that must be carefully considered:

• Privacy: Thecollection and storage of biometric data are extremely sensitive matters. The system must ensure the protection of users’ privacy by preventing unauthorized access, misuse, and discrimination.

• Security:Biometric data must be stored securely to prevent leaks, theft, and forgery. The system must implement robust security measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular audits.

• Centralization: Acentralized digital identity system can lead to mass control and surveillance. The system should be designed to be decentralized, allowing users to control their own data and identities.

• Exclusion:Not all individuals have access to the technology needed to participate in the system. The system must be inclusive and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their location, income, or level of education, can benefit from it.

• Legislation: Thesystem must comply with data protection laws in all countries where it is implemented. This includes obtaining informed consent from users, informing them of the purpose of data collection, and ensuring their right to access, correct, delete, and transfer their data.

LGPD Compliance Analysis

Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD) establishes strict guidelines for the processing of personal data, especially sensitive data such as biometric information. A universal digital identity system based on biometrics and cryptocurrencies must be fully compliant with the LGPD to operate legally in Brazil. The key points to consider regarding the LGPD are:

• Consent:Consent to the collection of biometric data must be freely given, informed, unambiguous, and specific to each purpose.
• Purpose:The purpose of data collection must be clear, specific, and legitimate.
• Transparency: Usersmust be informed about how their data will be collected, used, stored, and shared.
• Data Subjects' Rights:Users must have the right to access, correct, delete, and transfer their data.
• Security:The system must implement robust security measures to protect data against unauthorized access, misuse, and leakage.

A Quick Comparison Between Compiled Generic Terms of Acceptance and the LGPD, and Difficulty in Understanding Them

To begin understanding

A universal digital identity system based on biometrics and cryptocurrencies has the potential to bring significant benefits to society—such as financial inclusion, participation in decentralized projects, and access to public services—and is inevitable.

However, it is essential that these systems be designed and implemented in an ethical, secure, and transparent manner, ensuring the protection of users' privacy and compliance with data protection laws.

This is a very interesting and important topic, one that holds great promise: more secure passwords. Just by looking at the screen of a cell phone, computer, or even a smart glass (yes, your bathroom mirror or car windshield), your profile will automatically appear. But if your data has to be used for this purpose, it must be treated with the respect and security it deserves.

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