PIPEDA Case Summary #281: Organization uses biometrics for authentication purposes

The Privacy Commissioner released a new finding yesterday (the finding itself is dated September 3, 2004), the first finding to address the mandatory use of biometrics in the workplace. In this case, the employer used voice-print technology for security and managing the employer-employee relationship. The Assistant Commissioner determined that the use of this technology was reasonable, and struck the appropriate balance for security purposes.

Commissioner's Findings - PIPEDA Case Summary #281: Organization uses biometrics for authentication purposes - September 3, 2004 - Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

"Several employees complained that their employer was forcing them to consent to the collection of biometric information, namely, their voice print, for the purpose of accessing a number of the company's business applications. These applications are used for logging work-related information, as well as for absence reporting. "