New Biometric Technologies in Ecuador: Constitutional Perspectives on the Regulation of Human Iris Scanning

Abstract

The study addressed the use of emerging biometric technologies in Ecuador, focusing its analysis on human iris scanning and its regulation from a constitutional perspective. The need to establish a clear regulatory framework that guaranteed fundamental rights in the face of technological progress was identified. The objective of the research was to examine the legal treatment of iris recognition in light of constitutional principles such as privacy protection, informed consent, and informational self-determination. A qualitative methodology with a legal-dogmatic approach was employed, based on the analysis of national and international regulations and specialized doctrine. The results revealed regulatory gaps and challenges that affected legal certainty and personal data protection in the country. It was concluded that the incorporation of these technologies required specific regulation, focusing on human rights and the principles of legality and proportionality. The creation of public policies and technical standards aimed at the ethical and responsible use of iris scanning was recommended. The innovative aspect of this research lay in the constitutional analysis applied to a technology that remains underexplored in the Ecuadorian context, opening academic and legislative debate on its implementation.