Biometrics

Video technologies can enhance public safety and security, however there are legitimate concerns that these surveillance capabilities could be misused to recognize and track individuals. DHS is engaging industry to develop and evaluate capabilities to address public concerns and still enable public safety organizations to safeguard our homeland. 

Privacy is an integral part of the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM), formerly US-VISIT, and it is essential to the program mission. OBIM takes privacy into account from conception through planning and development, and during the execution of every aspect of the OBIM program.

The Office of Biometric Identity Management provides biometric match, store, share, and analyze services to DHS and mission partners. The need for biometrics continues to grow among DHS Components; interagency stakeholders (e.g., the Departments of State, Justice, and Defense); State, local, tribal and territorial entities; the Intelligence Community; and international mission partners. Biometrics support critical national security priorities, including counterterrorism and immigration. OBIM is focused on delivering accurate, timely, and high assurance biometric identity information and analysis. OBIM’s overall goals and priorities include continuing to improve biometric services and access to expanded biometric data to enable DHS operational missions.

DHS S&T is working with industry to help the systems, whether at airports, government facilities, border checkpoints, or public spaces like arenas, to work faster and smarter