The use of biometrics and the implications for privacy: An information systems perspective
Abstract
This systematic review examines Information Systems (IS) literature on biometric technologies, by focusing on the end user’s perspective of privacy, trust and acceptance. Biometrics, by relying on unique physiological and behavioural traits, enhance efficiency, convenience and security. However, at the same time, they raise concerns about surveillance, data permanence, cultural differences, and ethical implications, particularly as applications expand beyond authentication to areas like stress monitoring and affect detection. Such concerns become even more pronounced within the context of immersive environments, such as metaverses, precisely because the use of biometrics becomes mandatory for users’ participation. The analysis reveals that user acceptance of biometric systems is not solely determined by technical accuracy but emerges from broader socio-ethical considerations, including transparency, proportionality, perceived control and the balance between convenience, privacy, and trust. Our findings call for future research that includes cross-cultural and longitudinal studies, explores non-adoption, and investigates biometric data use in immersive contexts. In doing so, the review highlights the socio-technical and ethical dynamics shaping biometric adoption and points to implications for Information Systems research, system design and policy development.
Recommended Citation
Donta, Georgia and Zamani, Efpraxia, "The use of biometrics and the implications for privacy:
An information systems perspective" (2026). UK Academy for Information Systems Conference Proceedings 2026. 9.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ukais2026/9