Artificial intelligence and the processing of biometric data

With the widespread implementation of information technologies throughout supply chains, business practices have started transforming. Existing production processes are evolving into digital manufacturing processes, and automation is being rapidly integrated into production workflows. This marks a transformative movement often referred to as the Industrial Age. It means the beginning of a new paradigm in the Industrial Age. This transformative movement is commonly called the 4th Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0. Today, the concept of Industry 5.0 is also being discussed. Industry 5.0 refers to the stage in production processes characterized by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). In the advanced stages of Industry 4.0 and throughout Industry 5.0, AI systems are expected to analyze vast quantities of data by utilizing machine learning and deep learning techniques, learn in a manner analogous to humans without the need for human intervention or guidance, make future predictions, and thereby optimize production processes. As stated by John McCarthy, who is known as the father of artificial intelligence, AI is defined as the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer software. AI represents a technological development with the potential to fundamentally alter the course of human history. Through this technological advancement, tasks and operations traditionally performed by humans are expected to be conducted more rapidly, accurately, and efficiently. The power of AI systems to analyze and utilize data is increasing every day. This, however, has led to the emergence of various concerns and challenges. As a result, the protection of personal data has become a particularly critical issue. In the academic literature, it is increasingly emphasized that, while adapting to Industry 4.0 technologies, compliance with regulations on personal data protection must also be ensured. Personal data are categorized into two groups: general personal data and sensitive personal data. Biometric data is among the sensitive personal data. Comprehensive personality profiles can be constructed through the systematic processing and integration of biometric data by certain systems. Given their unique and individualized nature, biometric data enables the direct identification of individuals. For example, a fingerprint, which is one of a person's biometric data, is unique to that individual, allowing for their identity to be determined without any doubt. Considering that AI systems inherently continue to incorporate several uncertainties in the context of legal frameworks, it becomes evident how challenging it is to address the complex issues originating from the processing of biometric data by AI systems. In our view, it remains quite difficult to establish clear, well-defined assessments regarding these systems and the processing of biometric data by them. However, technology advances at an unstoppable pace. It would be unrealistic to expect that the law would remain unaffected by these advancements. This study, therefore, examines the processing of biometric data by AI systems in light of existing national and international regulations. Evaluations are made from the perspective that the concept of "human dignity" must not be compromised in the design, development, and utilization of AI systems based on personal data processing.