The selling of irises and the challenges of biometric technology in Brazil

The advance of biometric technologies, such as iris recognition, has the potential to revolutionise security and the personalisation of services. Yet the lack of information and awareness about those technologies is leading many Brazilians to sell their biometric data to companies for insignificant sums.

That practice not only exposes individuals to privacy risks, it may also have significant social consequences. The lack of understanding of how that data will be used can result in abuse and exploitation, especially in a landscape where regulation and data protection are still developing. In some cases, for instance, biometric data can be resold or used for unauthorised purposes, leading to a serious compromise of personal privacy.

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The urgency of regulating that market in Brazil is clear. Despite advances such as the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), there are still many gaps in oversight and enforcement, especially in cases involving emerging technologies. That creates an environment where companies can act without transparency, taking advantage of the vulnerability of individuals who often do not know the real value of their biometric information.

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Beyond that, the question goes further than simple privacy: the indiscriminate use of biometric data can also perpetuate social inequality. In a country where access to technological education is still limited, low-income and less informed populations are the most exposed to exploitative practice. That reinforces the need for initiatives combining digital education with robust regulation, fostering an environment where technological advance is equitable and respects everyone's fundamental rights.

At the same time, it is important to stress that biometric technologies can be valuable tools when used ethically and transparently. They have the potential to improve security in areas such as banking, health and public transport. Without the public's trust, however, those innovations risk being rejected. To achieve that balance, it is essential that companies invest in education and communication programmes, explaining how their systems work and ensuring that the data collected is stored and used securely.

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Finally, the debate about iris recognition in Brazil is a microcosm of a larger challenge: how to ensure that the technological revolution benefits society as a whole, and not only a select group of corporations. That demands a joint effort by governments, companies and civil society to create policies, systems and solutions that are inclusive, ethical and sustainable. Only then will it be possible to move towards a fairer and more conscious digital future.

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