Cybersecurity experts have warned that advances in artificial intelligence technology could make it possible to extract people’s fingerprints from selfies and ordinary photographs, raising new concerns about privacy and digital security.
According to published reports, high-quality images in which fingers appear less than 1.5 meters from the camera may capture enough detail of fingerprint patterns.
Specialists say cybercriminal groups could use artificial intelligence and advanced image-processing tools to reconstruct these details and create digital replicas of individuals’ fingerprints.
Experts warn that as biometric identification systems including fingerprint locks used in smartphones, bank accounts, and secure facilities become more widespread, the risk of misuse of biometric data is also increasing.
Unlike passwords, which can be changed, fingerprints are considered a permanent human characteristic, and if they are stolen, replacing or recovering them would be extremely difficult.
This concern is not new. In 2021, security researchers demonstrated that with only a clear fingerprint image, image-editing software, a laser printer, and even wood glue, it was possible to create a fake fingerprint capable of deceiving certain security systems.
Cybersecurity specialists recommend that users be more cautious when taking close-up photos, especially selfies in which palms or fingers are clearly visible.
They also emphasize that technology companies should design more advanced security systems to better protect users’ biometric data and reduce the risk of abuse.
Experts further warn that with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making the protection of users’ personal information more important than ever.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
