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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to worry about sharing biometric data?

7 replies

MumLegalAdvice · 02/04/2026 06:58

I’ve asked a similar question on a different thread but posting here for visibility. A solicitor needs to verify my identity remotely using a third party that does ID checks. I think this involves uploading documents like a photo of a passport and sending a selfie. A quick google of the company says they delete some data after a year but not all of it.

What concerns should I have about sharing biometric data? Are our biometrics already out there to the extent (on Google, Meta, Apple, government and banking servers) that is beyond our control? Do I need to worry about potentially hacking and using that data down the line? (For example, to create real-time selfies to verify alongside passport checks. 🤷‍♀️)

For context I’ve used remote ID checks before for convenience and have never questioned it, but I’ve recently talked to someone who says they would limit sharing biometrics as much as possible.

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MumLegalAdvice · 02/04/2026 07:00

Just to add I will probably go ahead with the remote check and ask the solicitors to delete the biometric data when the check is completed, but they can obviously say no and I don’t know how I can verify it’s been deleted either.

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Dearg · 02/04/2026 07:02

I think the ship has sailed to be honest. Passport scanners, fingerprints upon entry to the US and now Europe etc.
AI and those who misuse it can do this stuff now.

A selfie and a photo of your passport seem very little in comparison ( and not a surefire way of proving identity remotely). If you need this done, then I would just get on with it.

MumLegalAdvice · 02/04/2026 07:08

Also there is the option to go in person and they will I guess take a photocopy of my passport. Which is obviously not secure either and is much less convenient for me (small
kids, need to take leave). So I’m just weighing up what is best to do on balance.

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PollyBell · 02/04/2026 08:05

Is it any different to what is already on the internet about you

MumLegalAdvice · 02/04/2026 08:48

PollyBell · 02/04/2026 08:05

Is it any different to what is already on the internet about you

I don’t think I’m very public on the internet (Facebook use is limited and locked down, no instagram or other social media, google results of my name are years old) and other random photos from work, uni etc would be over ten years ago. So my internet footprint is not big. But my photos and personal data are all stored on servers like most people.

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BigYellowBus · 02/04/2026 17:52

It's absolutely standard practise when getting a new job nowadays. All new starters at my place have to show their physical passport/driving license which is then scanned and sent to HR for DBS/right to work checks

MumLegalAdvice · 02/04/2026 19:20

BigYellowBus · 02/04/2026 17:52

It's absolutely standard practise when getting a new job nowadays. All new starters at my place have to show their physical passport/driving license which is then scanned and sent to HR for DBS/right to work checks

Providing a passport is not new to us, but I think the concern is about the extra biometric information that is required on top - probably a selfie to compare to the passport. But I’m not sure how much of an extra risk it is if that information was hacked and stolen. 🤷‍♀️

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