Overview
Global Contactless Biometrics Market reached US$ 11.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 50.3 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 20.6% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
Contactless biometrics offer a convenient and frictionless user experience. Users can authenticate themselves quickly without the need to touch surfaces or remember complex passwords and this convenience has driven the adoption of contactless biometrics in access control and payments Contactless biometric technologies have advanced in terms of security. Facial recognition systems, for example, now incorporate liveness detection and anti-spoofing measures to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access to identity verification.
According to news in travelandleisureasia.com in August 2023, several airports globally have adopted biometric boarding to eliminate the need for printed boarding passes, streamlining the passenger experience and this technology leverages facial recognition and other biometric data for a more efficient and paperless process. From check-in through security clearance to boarding, passengers can employ biometric authentication on several occasions.
Asia-Pacific has been at the forefront of the adoption of mobile payment solutions. For faster and more protected transactions, mobile payment systems use contactless biometrics like facial and fingerprint recognition. For identification verification in a variety of industries, including government service healthcare and financial services, some nations are adopting national ID programs that make use of contactless biometrics.
Dynamics
Rising Growth in Online Payments
Contactless biometrics provides a seamless and convenient user experience. Users can complete online payments quickly with a simple fingerprint scan or facial recognition, eliminating the need for passwords or PINs. Biometrics can help prevent account sharing, card-not-present fraud and unauthorized access by ensuring that the person initiating the payment is the legitimate account holder.
For instance, on 24 May 2023, A bank in Kuwait introduced payment cards with embedded fingerprint sensor technology, allowing customers to make secure and convenient transactions without the need for a PIN or signature and this initiative reflects the growing trend of incorporating biometric authentication into payment methods enhancing security and user experience. Biometric authentication adds an extra layer of protection against card fraud.
Growing Use of Biometrics
Providing a seamless and positive user experience is crucial for organizations. By simplifying and speeding up several procedures, biometric authentication techniques like contactless fingerprint or facial recognition improve the user experience. Biometric technology is becoming more useful for a variety of applications because of advancements in accuracy and speed. Contactless biometrics benefit from these advancements, providing faster and more reliable authentication.
For instance, on 27 June 2023, A significant advancement in payment card security is the biometric security solution for credit and debit cards offered by SmartMetric. The system embeds biometric fingerprint recognition technology right into the card, which enables it to identify the cardholder and only switch on the payment chip of the card when the cardholder’s fingerprint is recognized. Before enabling payment capabilities, the card uses fingerprint recognition technology to confirm the cardholder’s identification.
Government Initiatives in Contactless Biometrics
Contactless biometrics are extensively used at border control and immigration checkpoints to verify travelers’ identities, enhancing national security. Automated systems speed up the entry and exit process, reducing queues and wait times at border crossings. Governments globally are increasingly implementing contactless biometric systems to enhance security and authentication processes. Many governments are embracing e-government initiatives to offer online services to citizens.
For instance, on 20 June 2023, IDEMIA was chosen as the technology partner for India’s DigiYatra initiative, an effort to create a paperless and digital travel experience for air passengers. The initiative, which aligns with India’s Digital India vision, was launched in three airports last year. IDEMIA will implement facial recognition technology at Delhi, Hyderabad and Goa airports to verify the identity of domestic flyers, enabling a seamless and paperless process for terminal entry and security clearance and this initiative aims to enhance convenience, privacy and security for passengers while optimizing efficiency and creating a smooth travel experience.
Data Breaches and Cost Prohibitive
Contactless biometric systems may occasionally produce false positives or false negatives. Environmental factors like poor lighting, dirt or wear and tear on sensors can affect accuracy. It can lead to authentication failures or unauthorized access. contactless biometrics enhance security, but they also raise privacy concerns. Storing and sharing biometric data require robust security measures to prevent data breaches. Privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA impose strict requirements on biometric data handling.
Biometric systems are susceptible to spoofing attacks, where malicious actors use fake biometric data to gain unauthorized access. Presentation attacks involve presenting a recorded or printed biometric image or video to fool the system. Implementing contactless biometrics requires significant investment in hardware, software and infrastructure and this can be cost-prohibitive for smaller organizations or governments with limited budgets.

Segment Analysis
The global contactless biometrics market is segmented based on component, technology, application, end-user and region.
Contactless Biometrics Simple Touch Software Boosts the Market
As there is an increasing need for more secure authentication techniques due to the rise in cyberattacks and data breaches. Comparing contactless biometrics to conventional passwords and PINs a higher level of security is provided by the latter. Contactless biometrics provide a convenient and frictionless user experience. Users can unlock devices, access apps and make payments with a simple touch or glance, eliminating the need for manual entry.
For instance, on 21 June 2023, DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH acquired JENETRIC GmbH, a biometric identification technology company. JENETRIC specializes in optical thin-film transistor (TFT) technology for contactless fingerprint capture. Following the acquisition, JENETRIC will operate as a subsidiary of DERMALOG under the name DERMALOG JENETRIC GmbH. The acquisition aims to combine the expertise of both companies to advance joint developments, such as integrating JENETRIC’s TFT technology with DERMALOG’s liveness detection technology.
Geographical Penetration
North America has Secure Authentication Methods
North America is among the largest regions in the global contactless biometrics market covering more than 1/3rd of the market and contactless biometrics are used in the healthcare sector for patient identification, prescription verification and access control, enhancing patient safety and data security. With growing concerns about identity theft and cybersecurity, there is a strong demand for more secure authentication methods. Contactless biometrics offer a higher level of security compared to traditional methods like passwords or PINs.
According to Biometricsinstitute.org in November 2022, the industry has made significant progress in helping organizations manage the movement of refugees, individuals and cargo. Biometric onboarding is advancing, but cybersecurity remains a critical concern that needs attention. Ensuring the binding of biometrics to legitimate individuals, whether in the physical world or the Metaverse, is essential.

Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include Aware, Inc., Fingerprint Cards AB, Fujitsu Limited, HID Global Corporation, NVIAsoft Corporation, BioConnect Inc., Innovatrics, s.r.o., Cognitec Systems GmbH, NEC Corporation and Veridos GmbH.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The pandemic heightened concerns about the cleanliness of high-touch surfaces including fingerprint sensors or touch-based biometric systems. Contact-based biometric methods have been viewed with more skepticism due to the potential for disease transmission and this has accelerated the adoption of contactless biometrics that do not require physical contact with the device such as facial recognition or iris scanning.
Some organizations and institutions have integrated contactless biometrics into their COVID-19 health screening processes. For example, facial recognition technology has been used for temperature checks and mask detection at airports and public buildings. Many airports and immigration checkpoints have implemented contactless biometrics to reduce physical contact during identity verification processes and this has expedited passenger processing and improved safety.
The pandemic accelerated digital transformation efforts across various industries, including finance, healthcare and retail. Contactless biometrics have played a role in enhancing security while enabling remote and touchless transactions. The contactless biometrics market has experienced growth during the pandemic as organizations seek solutions that align with health and safety guidelines and this growth is expected to continue as businesses and governments prioritize touchless technologies.
AI Impact
AI algorithms have significantly enhanced the accuracy of contactless biometric systems. Machine learning and deep learning models can recognize and authenticate individuals with high precision, reducing false positives and false negatives. AI-powered liveness detection techniques help verify that the biometric data being captured is from a living person and not a spoofing attempt and this is crucial for preventing fraud and ensuring the security of contactless biometric systems.
AI enables continuous authentication, where a user’s identity is verified throughout their interaction with a system or device and this ongoing authentication enhances security by detecting unauthorized access or suspicious behavior in real-time. AI is employed to analyze and recognize unique patterns in user behavior, such as typing style, touchscreen interactions or mouse movements. Behavioral biometrics add an additional layer of security without requiring physical contact.
For instance, on 18 August 2023, TECH5 was granted a patent for its innovation in contactless fingerprint capture using artificial intelligence and image processing on integrated camera systems and this patented technology, known as T5-AirSnap Finger, combines neural network-based machine learning algorithms with traditional image processing to capture fingerprints, detect presentation attacks and perform fingerprint matching using portable handheld devices with integrated cameras.
Russia-Ukraine War Impact
Companies involved in the production of contactless biometric hardware or software have operations or suppliers in the region affected by the war, there may be disruptions in the supply chain and this could lead to delays in manufacturing and delivery of biometric devices. Geopolitical tensions and conflicts can impact international business relations and trade agreements. Companies working in the contactless biometrics industry may have difficulties with export/import rules, sanctions and compliance.
During times of conflict, there is an increased risk of cyberattacks and hacking attempts. Biometric databases and systems could be targeted, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. International collaborations and partnerships in the field of contactless biometrics may be affected by geopolitical tensions. The conflict may also impact the movement of people, including refugees and displaced populations. Biometric technologies may be used for identification and humanitarian aid distribution.
By Component


    • Software
    • Hardware
    • Service


By Technology


  • • Contactless Fingerprint Technology
    • Facial Recognition
    • Iris Recognition
    • Palm Vein Recognition
    • Contactless Cards
    • Others


By Application


  • • Identity Verification
    • Payments & Transactions
    • Access Control
    • Others


By End-User


  • • BFSI
    • Government & Law Enforcement
    • Healthcare
    • Retail
    • Others


By Region


  • • North America


o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico


  • • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Italy
o Russia
o Rest of Europe


  • • South America


o Brazil
o Argentina
o Rest of South America


  • • Asia-Pacific


o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific


  • • Middle East and Africa


Key Developments


  • • In August 2021, Thales introduced an innovative contactless biometric payment card that enhances security and convenience for users and this card incorporates a biometric sensor and simplifies proximity payments. Users enroll their fingerprints securely from home or at a bank branch, with no biometric data shared with third parties.
    • In November 2022, Keyo launched the Keyo Network, a global biometric identity system that utilizes a powerful palm scanner and software platform and this system enables users to verify their identity and access various services with a contactless scan of their palm, eliminating the need for phones, cards or keys.
    • In December 2022, Abu Dhabi International Airport in UAE introduced a biometric service that allows passengers to use their faces as their boarding passes and this technology aims to streamline the passenger experience by eliminating the need for physical boarding passes and manual document checks. Passengers can simply walk through the airport and board their flights with a facial recognition scan.


Why Purchase the Report?


  • • To visualize the global contactless biometrics market segmentation based on component, technology, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
    • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
    • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of contactless biometrics market-level with all segments.
    • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
    • Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.


The global contactless biometrics market report would provide approximately 69 tables, 72 figures and 208 Pages.
Target Audience 2023


  • • Manufacturers/ Buyers
    • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
    • Research Professionals
    • Emerging Companies