NIST, the U.S. national metrology institute, is working on privacy-enhancing technologies to address growing concerns about biometric data security. Their Privacy Framework, based on the successful Cybersecurity Framework, helps organizations identify and manage privacy risks in their systems and products. Key tools include the Privacy Risk Assessment Methodology and the Privacy Framework itself, which provides a structured approach to privacy management.
NIST is also researching advanced cryptographic techniques like multiparty computation, zero knowledge proofs, and homomorphic encryption to protect sensitive data. They are particularly focused on quantum-resistant cryptography to ensure future security as quantum computing advances. International collaboration through prize challenges is another area of focus to advance privacy-preserving data sharing and analytics.
The potential impact of NIST’s work is significant – by providing organizations with practical tools and frameworks, they aim to promote trust in digital systems and enable responsible innovation in areas like biometrics, AI, and quantum computing.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/speech-testimony/privacy-age-biometrics
Keywords: privacy, biometrics, NIST
