When Biometrics Fail

Gender, Race, and the Technology of Identity

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Feminism & Feminist Theory, Crimes & Criminals, Criminology
Cover of the book When Biometrics Fail by Shoshana Amielle Magnet, Duke University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Shoshana Amielle Magnet ISBN: 9780822394822
Publisher: Duke University Press Publication: November 11, 2011
Imprint: Duke University Press Books Language: English
Author: Shoshana Amielle Magnet
ISBN: 9780822394822
Publisher: Duke University Press
Publication: November 11, 2011
Imprint: Duke University Press Books
Language: English

From digital fingerprinting to iris and retina recognition, biometric identification systems are a multibillion dollar industry and an integral part of post-9/11 national security strategy. Yet these technologies often fail to work. The scientific literature on their accuracy and reliability documents widespread and frequent technical malfunction. Shoshana Amielle Magnet argues that these systems fail so often because rendering bodies in biometric code falsely assumes that people’s bodies are the same and that individual bodies are stable, or unchanging, over time. By focusing on the moments when biometrics fail, Magnet shows that the technologies work differently, and fail to function more often, on women, people of color, and people with disabilities. Her assessment emphasizes the state’s use of biometrics to control and classify vulnerable and marginalized populations—including prisoners, welfare recipients, immigrants, and refugees—and to track individuals beyond the nation’s territorial boundaries. When Biometrics Fail is a timely, important contribution to thinking about the security state, surveillance, identity, technology, and human rights.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From digital fingerprinting to iris and retina recognition, biometric identification systems are a multibillion dollar industry and an integral part of post-9/11 national security strategy. Yet these technologies often fail to work. The scientific literature on their accuracy and reliability documents widespread and frequent technical malfunction. Shoshana Amielle Magnet argues that these systems fail so often because rendering bodies in biometric code falsely assumes that people’s bodies are the same and that individual bodies are stable, or unchanging, over time. By focusing on the moments when biometrics fail, Magnet shows that the technologies work differently, and fail to function more often, on women, people of color, and people with disabilities. Her assessment emphasizes the state’s use of biometrics to control and classify vulnerable and marginalized populations—including prisoners, welfare recipients, immigrants, and refugees—and to track individuals beyond the nation’s territorial boundaries. When Biometrics Fail is a timely, important contribution to thinking about the security state, surveillance, identity, technology, and human rights.

More books from Duke University Press

Cover of the book Romancing the Wild by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Neutral Accent by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book An Improper Profession by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Affective Communities by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Ordinary Medicine by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Traveling Heavy by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Gut Feminism by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Making Girls into Women by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Epigenetic Landscapes by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Close Reading by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Memorializing Pearl Harbor by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Ethereal Queer by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book Race, Nature, and the Politics of Difference by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book When Rains Became Floods by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
Cover of the book La Frontera by Shoshana Amielle Magnet
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy