by Elisa Garfagna
Over the past decade, the online world has witnessed an increase in terrorist threats, prompting governments and security agencies to innovate continuously.
Among emerging technologies, voice biometrics is becoming a crucial tool for identifying and monitoring potential terrorists.
But what exactly is voice biometrics, and how does it work in practice?
Voice biometrics relies on the analysis of the unique vocal characteristics of each individual. Voiceprints, determined by the structure of the vocal cords and the oral cavity — the so-called resonators — make the voice an effective biometric identifier, comparable to fingerprints, facial recognition, or optical recognition.
The process of analyzing voice segments works as follows: a voice sample is recorded, and key features such as speed, timbre, pitch, intonation, and pauses are extracted. These elements are then converted into a mathematical model. A voice model is created and stored in a digital archive, with each person having a unique model. The next step is the comparison process: to authenticate, a person’s voice is compared with the stored model. If the parameters match, authentication is successful.
This technology can be used to verify identities during phone interceptions, monitor suspicious conversations, and control access to sensitive systems. It helps authorities track the activities and connections of suspects, offering a comprehensive view of potential threats.
The lie detector, or polygraph, which we know from TV shows and movies, has been used for decades to assess the truthfulness of statements by measuring physiological variables. Although its reliability is often questionable, combining it with voice biometrics could open up new possibilities.
Imagine a system that analyzes vocal variations during interrogations or wiretaps alongside the physiological data from the polygraph.
This integrated approach could enhance the ability of law enforcement to distinguish between innocent and guilty individuals and prevent attacks, cybercrimes, and military threats.
However, voice biometrics and polygraph technology raise significant privacy concerns, as these systems require the collection of sensitive data. Additionally, the technologies’ imperfect accuracy can lead to errors with serious consequences.
The ethical debate on the use of such technologies is ongoing and will likely remain so for years.
On the other hand, voice biometrics is destined to evolve, influencing global security as well as our daily lives.
With advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the technology will become more precise and reliable, reducing the risk of errors. It is expected to be integrated with other biometric forms, such as facial recognition, further lowering the error rate to around ten percent.
In the medical sector, voice biometrics could detect health changes remotely, such as respiratory illnesses or neurological conditions, reducing the likelihood of patient fatalities.
Biometrics is set to become a key technology in many sectors, especially those where human-machine interaction is essential. In the business world, biometrics will manage customer loyalty programs. In education, it will expand understanding in the humanities and train new generations of specialists, for example, in debunking misinformation on social media.
Other types of biometrics also exist. As mentioned earlier, there is facial recognition, but also hand geometry, which analyzes the shape and size of a hand, and vein recognition, which uses the pattern of veins in fingers and hands. Finally, there is iris recognition, which analyzes the unique patterns of the human iris.
When weighing the benefits and risks, it is crucial to consider the human role in society. People must remain protagonists in the decision-making processes of machines rather than mere executors of their commands.