This paper examines the development and application of biometric fingerprint technology as an anti-theft solution for motor vehicles. Beginning with a brief history of fingerprinting from 14th-century China through 20th-century forensic science and military applications, the paper traces how biometric technology has expanded into everyday consumer uses, including vehicle security. It focuses on the Biometric Immobilizer developed by Automotive Technology Research and Development (ATRD), comparing it to conventional RFID-based immobilizers. The paper concludes that fingerprint-based vehicle security offers meaningful advantages over traditional devices, while also acknowledging potential drawbacks, and recommends phased rollout with ongoing user research and crime monitoring.
Biometric devices such as fingerprint identification gadgets have only recently been applied to the motor industry. Surprisingly, however, Alice Osborn (2005) cites Joao de Barros in identifying the very first uses of fingerprinting as occurring in China as early as the 14th century. At the turn of the 20th century, Richard Edward Henry of Scotland Yard reintroduced fingerprinting to forensic science. Biometric technology only developed beyond fingerprinting during the 1960s and 1970s, with the implementation of military biometric authentication procedures. Controversially, biometric technology has also become part of security measures following 9/11. At airports, for example, biometric identification has been used to increase safety and security during flights. According to Osborn (2005), however, the cost of implementation has proved a deterring factor for some airports.
Other uses of fingerprint biometric technology include access to personal computers, cell phones, and ATMs (Australian Academy of Science, 2001). During 2001, it was also predicted that fingerprinting technology would eventually include opening car doors and briefcases, verifying online identity, facilitating international travel, and preventing fraud during elections. The first of these has recently become a reality. The Australian Academy of Science (2001) warns, however, that this technology could also have negative repercussions in terms of consumer resistance and crime. Law-abiding consumers may, for example, be deterred by the criminal connotations of fingerprinting access devices, while criminals may find themselves encouraged to remove fingers in order to gain access to valuable items.
Nevertheless, Simon McBride (2007) writes that the technology has recently become a reality in the motor industry. According to this author, the latest anti-theft device for motor vehicles is a fingerprint device developed by Automotive Technology Research and Development (ATRD), based in Coventry. The development of the Biometric Immobilizer is a reaction to the increase in car thefts resulting from stolen car keys taken from homes. The device requires both keys and the owner's fingerprint to start the engine. This technology can be fitted to any car, with a small touchpad mounted onto the dashboard for scanning the fingerprint and matching it to those stored in its memory.
Another advantage is that the device can be programmed with multiple fingerprints, which is a useful feature for family and company cars where there is more than one driver. This provides the driver with the assurance that, even if the car keys are stolen, the thief will not be able to steal the vehicle.
"Fingerprint device vs. RFID key-fob security"
"Advantages of biometric systems over standard immobilizers"
"Phased rollout and crime monitoring suggestions"
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