Question

STORY NAME: BIOMETRICS ARE NOT BETTER
New isn’t always an improvement. We shouldn’t assume that the latest technology is the best option. Using biometrics for security protection is a perfect example. This technology offers an excitingly modern experience, but it comes with unexpected vulnerabilities. In fact, the disadvantages of biometrics far outweigh potential gains.

2

Biometrics include any body measurements or calculations. Since every person is unique, measurements such as fingerprints, eye scans, facial patterns, heartbeats, or even DNA can be used to prove your identity. Exploiting an individual’s unrepeatable features seems like a sure-fire way to prevent the wrong person from gaining access to cell phones, laptops, or other devices. The use of biometrics is booming. One research group estimates that 27 percent of smartphone owners used biometrics to secure their phones in 2019. They predict that the percentage will increase to 66 percent by 2024. While companies and consumers rush to take advantage of this technology, we must be careful that it isn’t actually taking advantage of us.

3

Everyone is jumping on the biometrics bandwagon because of the perceived advantages. Users love the fact that the use of biometrics puts an end to confusing passwords. Unfortunately, biometrics can be unreliable. Many body measurements change over time or in specific situations. Fingerprints aren’t useful if you cut yourself and need to wear a bandage. Voice recognition software can fail when you have a cold. Dim lighting can greatly reduce the ability of eye scanners to recognize users.

4

Promoters also emphasize that biometrics cannot be stolen as easily as passwords. However, almost any security system can be bypassed by determined crooks. For example, we leave our fingerprints everywhere: on tables, mirrors, cars, and the very smartphones they are increasingly being used to unlock. Thieves can transfer those fingerprints to molds and create models using household items. Children’s modeling clay can create a fake finger that’s real enough to fool some biometric sensors. Facial recognition is not foolproof either. A study made by Dutch consumer protection group Consumentenbond revealed that many smartphones that use facial recognition for biometric security can be tricked using just a photograph.

5

These biometric breaches pose a much more serious threat than password theft. What seems like an advantage turns out to be a huge weakness. If your password is hacked, you can easily change it. But if your biometric data is stolen, what are your choices? You can’t replace your fingerprints, your eyes, or any of your biometric data.

6

The brightest promise of biometrics is freedom. Nothing could be easier than swiping your finger or blinking your eyes. However, that freedom comes at a heavy price. You could lose fundamental liberties, such as your right to privacy. When a device scans your body measurements, that data could be collected. A password says nothing about who you are; your fingerprints are much more revealing. With access to your biometric information, companies—or criminals—could easily identify you.
7

Another freedom you might give up is your right to keep your ideas private. According to United States laws, authorities with a warrant can force you to open a phone or computer with a fingerprint or other body scan. However, they can’t make you provide mental information, such as a password. What you know is protected under the Fifth Amendment—what you have, including your personal biometrics, isn’t.

8

Biometric technology is certainly cool. Using these new scanners can make you feel like you’re living in a science fiction movie. But remember that not all movies end happily. We should be very cautious before giving in to this new technology. It may bring with it very unwelcome surprises. ❧
. Which sentence from the text best states the author’s claim about biometrics?

2. What is the author’s main claim about using biometrics for security?
Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

3. Which organizational structure does the author mainly use to develop the ideas in the text?
☐ Cause and effect
☐ Advantages and disadvantages

4. List three words or phrases from the text that signal this organizational structure.

5. Which sentence best explains why biometrics may not be the best option for security?
(This sentence should explain a reason that supports the author’s claim.)

6. True or False: The author assumes that readers care about protecting their personal information.
Explain your answer using evidence from the text.

7. Why does the author not define terms such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or biometric data?
What does this suggest about the intended audience?

8. Identify one belief or value the author assumes is shared with readers.
Explain how this belief or value supports the author’s argument.

Answer 1

1. "In fact, the disadvantages of biometrics far outweigh potential gains."

2. The author’s main claim is that biometrics are not a good security choice because their drawbacks (unreliability, ease of being copied, irreversibility, and threats to privacy and freedom) outweigh their benefits. Evidence:
- Unreliability: “Fingerprints aren’t useful if you cut yourself… Voice recognition software can fail when you have a cold. Dim lighting can greatly reduce the ability of eye scanners…” (paragraph 3).
- Can be copied: “we leave our fingerprints everywhere… Thieves can transfer those fingerprints to molds… Children’s modeling clay can create a fake finger…” and “many smartphones…can be tricked using just a photograph” (paragraph 4).
- Irreversible loss: “If your password is hacked, you can easily change it. But if your biometric data is stolen… You can’t replace your fingerprints, your eyes, or any of your biometric data.” (paragraph 5).
- Privacy and legal risks: “When a device scans your body measurements, that data could be collected… authorities with a warrant can force you to open a phone or computer with a fingerprint… they can’t make you provide mental information, such as a password.” (paragraphs 6–7).

3. Advantages and disadvantages.

4. Three words/phrases from the text that signal this structure:
- “perceived advantages”
- “disadvantages”
- “However” (also “Unfortunately” appears)

5. “If your password is hacked, you can easily change it. But if your biometric data is stolen, what are your choices? You can’t replace your fingerprints, your eyes, or any of your biometric data.” This explains that biometric data can’t be changed if stolen, making breaches far more serious than password theft.

6. True. The author assumes readers care about protecting personal information and liberties. Evidence: the essay emphasizes privacy and legal risks (“you could lose fundamental liberties, such as your right to privacy”; “authorities with a warrant can force you to open a phone…”) and frames biometrics as a threat to those concerns—an appeal that relies on readers valuing privacy and security.

7. The author does not define basic terms like fingerprints or facial recognition because they are assumed to be common, familiar concepts. This suggests the intended audience is the general public (readers who use smartphones and know about biometric features), not specialists or novices who need technical definitions.

8. One assumed shared belief is that personal privacy and freedom are important. The author uses that value to argue against biometrics by showing how biometric use can enable identification, data collection, and compelled access by authorities—threats that would alarm readers who prioritize privacy and civil liberties.