Biometrics in the Humanitarian Sector

Publication language
English
Pages
22
Date published
15 Mar 2018
Type
Research, reports and studies
Keywords
Data ethics, Data protection / Responsible data management, Data security
Organisations
Oxfam, The Engine Room

As Oxfam reaches the end of a two-year self-imposed moratorium on the introduction of biometrics into its programmatic work1 , the organisation has commissioned The Engine Room to provide advice and recommendations regarding the future of biometrics in Oxfam’s programmes.

The primary objective of this report is to provide Oxfam with sufficient information, backed up by evidence, to take an informed decision about how they should engage with biometrics over the short term, i.e. three to five years.

After providing context on how biometrics are currently used in the humanitarian and development sector, this report outlines the benefits and potential harms.