More than 60% of Brazilians are concerned about biometric data collection, especially after the popularization of Tools For Humanity's iris scanning service. The startup has more than 40 collection points in São Paulo and offers around R$700 for participation. The National Data Protection Agency (ANPD) has opened an investigation to assess the legality of the service, while the company claims to be in full compliance with Brazilian law. Experts warn that iris collection is just one of several forms of biometrics, including fingerprints, facial recognition and voice.
The biometrics market is worth billions globally and is expected to double by 2029. According to Visa, biometric authentication will be increasingly used for digital security, replacing traditional passwords. In Brazil, companies such as Valid and Montreal evaluate the adoption of iris biometrics, but highlight technical challenges and the lack of official recognition for national documents. While the technology is becoming more common, concerns about privacy and legal compliance continue to be debated.
