What is the nature of biometric data when it is collected?

Biometric data is usually encrypted to ensure its security and to protect individuals' privacy. This type of sensitive information, which includes fingerprints, facial recognition data, and iris scans, can uniquely identify a person and is therefore susceptible to misuse if it falls into the wrong hands. Encrypting biometric data helps safeguard it during storage and transmission, making it much harder for unauthorized users to access or exploit the information.

The process of encryption transforms biometric data into a format that is unreadable without the appropriate decryption key. This added layer of protection is crucial, especially considering the increasing reliance on biometric authentication methods in various security systems. Thus, the proper management and protection of biometric data through encryption is critical for maintaining user trust and complying with legal standards concerning personal information.