Smart cities are being developed across the world and in the next few years there will be many such smart cities observed Bahaa Abdul Hadi. These cities would use data to manage assets and resources. In a smart city, security would be a key issue and this is where biometrics would be helpful. Urban planners who are designing smart cities are using biometrics as a key element in their design.

Biometrics in Smart Cities

With smart cities coming up, urban planners need to work out an effective design that integrates physical assets with ICT (information and communication technology). The use of biometrics would be a key area to ensure security. Access to assets need to be controlled to ensure only authorized people use them. This access control can be ensured by using biometrics.

Before getting into how biometrics would be used, it is important to list the reasons why biometrics is being used:

  • Biometric data is unique to individuals. New technologies like live detection ensure that spoofing or impersonation cannot be done. As a result, biometrics is the most effective way of authenticating individuals.
  • Biometric data can be used to identify people and grant them access to facilities. Facial recognition, iris scan, or other such techniques can be used for seamless identification.
  • It is a reliable technique and can be used through non-contact methods. Eg: facial scans through cameras. The use of AI chips in smart cameras can make such detection easy and effective.

Key applications 

  1. Biometric data can be used to identify people. This helps in authenticating them, so they are given access to facilities and other important assets.
  2. Biometrics can be used in public transport to recognize people and also grant them access. Payments can also be made based on facial recognition with the amount debited from their accounts.
  3. Already airport security systems use biometrics to authenticate travelers.
  4. Security in smart cities can be enhanced through biometrics. It can help improved surveillance and help investigate crimes effectively. It can help in reducing crime rate and makes the work of law enforcement agencies easier.

Conclusion

Biometrics would play a key role in the smart cities of tomorrow. This reliable technology can help identify and authenticate people allowing them easy access to assets in the smart city. It is also a powerful tool to ensure security. Urban city planners of smart cities are using biometrics as one of the key design elements for smart cities of the future. The article has been authored by Bahaa Abdul Hadi and is published by the editorial board of identity herald. For more information, please visit www.identityherald.com