BiometricIdentity dApp: Decentralized biometric authentication based on fuzzy commitment and blockchain

Abstract

As biometric authentication has been increasingly integrated into cutting-edge technology, it is interesting to study how its level of trust and interoperability across multiple devices can be increased. They can actually be enhanced through decentralization, particularly by using blockchain technology. Since transaction data on the blockchain are open and readable by all parties, a high level of user trust is achieved, enhancing transparency and interoperability across the network. The software we propose bridges the gap between the security of biometric information and the transparency of blockchain and decentralized technologies. Specifically, the software is a decentralized application (dApp), based on the Ethereum blockchain, which relies on a smart contract to manage its logic. The logic of the smart contract employs the fuzzy commitment scheme (FCS) to securely hash biometric templates, while always maintaining fault tolerance thanks to error correction codes (ECC). This mechanism ensures data integrity within a transparent, decentralized framework. The proposed dApp enhances biometric authentication by supporting both the enrollment and authentication processes. Its smart contract enables managing access control within this decentralized infrastructure. In practical applications, the proposed system can demonstrate its potential as a secure and decentralized alternative to traditional centralized systems.