The Conference on Accessible Biometrics co-sponsored by the EBF was held in London on 18 May, 2005. The event discussed  the best use of biometrics for accessibility. The EBF will be discussing the Conference's outcomes as part of its Social & Environmental SIG.

Description of the Social & Environmental SIG
Motive
With biometrics affecting every European citizen, the objective of the EBF is to raise public awareness, to address concerns, and to promote the development of user-friendly, socially-acceptable, and ethical biometrics

Aim
The primary aim of the Social & Environmental SIG is to investigate and report on issues and concerns which might arise from the mass implementation of Biometric Systems across the European Community, from the end user perspective.

Issues
Some of the issues for discussion in the SIG include
• Usability of biometric systems
• Health & Safety and medical issues
• Cultural, religious and ethnic concerns
• Accessibility issues regarding disadvantaged groups
• Issues of trust and confidence

The SIG will have regular quarterly meetings, beginning Jul/Aug 2005 and will provide a focus for, Biometric Social & Environmental issues.

Please email if you are interested in participating or would like more information.