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The Role of Identification in Social and Digital Inclusion
Introduction
“I am me and my circumstance...”
This phrase, from “Meditaciones del Quijote” (“Meditations on Quixote”) by Ortega y Gasset
(1883-1955), has to be the starting point for understanding the importance of biometry, its trends
and its significance as a policy tool for social and digital inclusion within the framework of the
National Digital Agenda.
The idea is that the “contextual reality” created by man comprises the other half of a person
and is represented by technology; in other words, Man’s adaptation of Nature in order to satisfy
his needs. Only thus is Man a combination of circumstantial realities created as a source of
inspiration by cultures that embrace new thinking.
So this “reality” is nothing more than a projection of human creation, and as such transcends it
without ceasing to be part of it.
Thus any discussion of biometry involves talking about this technological reality and carrying
out a comprehensive analysis in order to get a better understanding of its role in present-day
society, in the context of the design of inclusive government policies, without ignoring the role
of information and communications technology.
One can say that biometry has overtaken scientific methods of personal identification and
become a tool of social inclusion, since it enables greater integration between the daily activity
of the state and its citizens.
It would not be possible to offer an analysis of the “biometric reality” without first defining its
“contextual reality”.
As a means of personal identification, biometry assesses facial and behavioural features. It gives
form to the Right to Identity, a fundamental right which must be guaranteed by the State, and, by
virtue of that right, a new system of further rights has been formulated which are indispensable
for the existence of individuals and their integration into society.
In the present day, every process conducted within a biometric system needs sufficiently
developed technology in which most instances of data capture and comparison, and their
results, are achieved in entirely digital environments.
We should say that we prefer to see biometry as a means of inclusion, whether social or digital,
forming part of a combination of resources, established within the framework of government
policy, in which the idea of reform and redress are directed at satisfying social needs and
guaranteeing the rights of citizens.
To appreciate the importance of biometry as a tool, it is essential to set out its importance
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