Privacy of fingermarks data in forensic science: forensic evaluation and individual data protection

Expert-based methods are used from the beginning of the 20th century for forensic evaluation of fingermarks (trace specimens) and fingerprints (reference specimens). Currently semi-automatic systems using biometric data, biometric technology and statistical models are developed to support the experts in providing a more objective evaluation to the court, in terms of strength of evidence. At the same time growing data privacy concerns have enacted further legislation protecting personal data. This study applies to the Dutch and European Union privacy and data protection legal framework. It focuses on and is limited to fingerprint data (images and features) and contingent metadata (e.g. name, date of birth, gender, nationality code) used for the forensic evaluation processes (R&D and casework).