Last updated March 2023
In recent years biometric authentication has entered the mainstream; facial recognition on smartphones, technology to speed up the experience at the airport, fingerprint access to online banking apps, or even biometric payment cards – the examples are endless.
While it may seem like a relatively new concept, biometrics has actually been around for centuries.
Biometrics can be traced back to ancient times when fingerprints and handprints were used as signatures and seals.
The use of biometrics as a tool for identification and security purposes began in the late 19th century with the work of Alphonse Bertillon.
In 1879, the French police officer developed a system of anthropometry, which involved measuring various physical features, such as height, weight, and the size of the head, arms, and feet, to identify criminals.
This system was widely used by police departments around the world and was considered the gold standard for identification until the early 20th century.
In the early 20th century, the first fingerprinting systems were developed, and their use became widespread. Fingerprint identification is now widely used by Police and Law Enforcement organizations.
Biometric systems, such as voice, iris and facial recognition were developed in the latter half of the 20th century. These technologies became commercially viable in the 2010s and widely used since then.
Today, biometrics is used in a wide range of applications, including border control, law enforcement, access control, and identity verification.
Biometric systems have become increasingly sophisticated, with the use of advanced algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
Below we have selected some key moments to show how biometric authentication has developed over the years.
Scroll through the timeline to see how biometric technology evolved, or download our infographic.
