Biometrics Overview¶
Definition¶
Biometrics are measurable physical or behavioral characteristics used to identify or verify individuals. In eKYC, biometrics provide the critical link between a person and their claimed identity — proving "you are who you say you are."
Biometric Modalities¶
| Modality | Capture Method | Use in eKYC | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face | Camera (selfie) | Primary — face matching, liveness | Dominant (95%+ of eKYC) |
| Fingerprint | Fingerprint sensor | Aadhaar authentication, in-person eKYC | Common in India, declining globally |
| Iris | IR camera | Aadhaar authentication, high-security | Niche |
| Voice | Microphone | V-KYC authentication, call center | Emerging |
| Behavioral | Device sensors | Continuous authentication, fraud detection | Emerging |
Why Face Dominates eKYC¶
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Universal capture device | Every smartphone has a front camera |
| Non-contact | No special sensor needed (unlike fingerprint/iris) |
| Remote-friendly | Works entirely over internet — no in-person required |
| Document matching | ID documents contain face photos — natural comparison point |
| User familiarity | Selfies are a natural interaction — low friction |
Key Takeaways¶
Summary
- Face biometrics dominate eKYC — 95%+ of remote identity verification uses face
- Fingerprint remains important in India (Aadhaar) but is declining for remote eKYC
- Voice and behavioral biometrics are emerging for continuous authentication
- The key challenge is liveness detection — proving the biometric comes from a live, present person