The Future of Biometric Technologies: Autonomous Weapons and Mass Surveillance
The Department of Defense is exploring a range of emerging biometric technologies and biometric applications, including AI techniques that could identify individuals in low light or otherwise obscured conditions, and laser techniques that could identify individuals at distances of around 200 meters. Such techniques could be employed in covert and clandestine operations without an individual’s knowledge or consent.
Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
In the future, biometric technologies could be integrated into lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS)—weapons capable of selecting and engaging targets without the need for manual human control or remote operation. Such weapons could potentially feature a database containing the biometric identifiers of preapproved human targets. The weapons could then use the database to autonomously locate, select, and engage human targets in communications-degraded or -denied environments where traditional systems may not be able to operate.
Some analysts have argued that this technology application could increase precision in targeting and thus improve adherence to international humanitarian law—for example, by avoiding civilian casualties. Others have argued that it is inherently unethical and could itself violate international humanitarian law. The United States is not publicly known to possess LAWS, although there is no prohibition on their development or the incorporation of biometric technologies into autonomous weapon systems. Weapons manufacturers in both China and Russia have stated that they are developing autonomous systems, which could include biometric features.
National Surveillance Networks
Biometric technologies could also be integrated into localized or national data collection and surveillance networks. Chinese officials maintain national DNA databases and extensive video surveillance networks, augmented by AI-enabled voice and facial recognition technology, to monitor and track individuals within China. These systems could continue to be linked and supplemented with private information such as medical, travel, and purchase history.
Although the Chinese government claims that these biometric applications contribute to predictive policing and public safety, some analysts have argued that they provide a means of imposing censorship and social control and could enable human rights violations. Reports indicate that China has employed biometric surveillance to monitor ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and facilitate their detention and internment in “re-education” centers.
Global Export of Surveillance Systems
Biometric surveillance systems could also hold implications for traditional military and intelligence operations. According to former CIA Deputy Director for Science and Technology Dawn Meyerriecks, around 30 countries have already deployed biometric surveillance systems capable of autonomously tracking foreign military personnel and intelligence operatives. Some estimates suggest that China alone has exported components of these systems to over 80 countries, including authoritarian regimes such as Venezuela and U.S. allies such as the United Kingdom.
Fully integrated, large-scale biometric surveillance networks have not yet been realized. However, as component technologies continue to mature and proliferate, such networks could threaten the privacy or jeopardize the safety of targeted individuals or disrupt U.S. clandestine operations or human intelligence gathering. As a result, U.S. military and intelligence agencies may continue to develop alternative tradecraft and concepts of operation.