The traditional staff ID card may well be on its way out in many companies in the long term. A recent study by the US company Alcatraz shows that biometric authentication systems are increasingly seen as a viable and accepted alternative to conventional access media. Facial recognition, in particular, is gaining acceptance, although significant generational differences are also emerging.

The study was commissioned by Alcatraz, a company specialising in privacy-focused facial recognition for physical access control. The results show that for many employees, biometric methods are no longer a topic for the future, but are increasingly seen as part of everyday life.

“Millions of Americans already use facial authentication to unlock their smartphones or access bank accounts. By contrast, presenting an employee ID card is starting to feel increasingly outdated. Face ID for secure areas has arrived and can be implemented completely anonymously,” explains Tina D’Agostin, CEO of Alcatraz.

According to the company, its own AI-powered facial authentication is already in use at some of the world’s largest AI data centres, airports and energy infrastructure sites. Furthermore, Fortune 100 companies, NFL teams and event venues are using the technology to secure backstage areas and, in some cases, for visitor access.

Biometrics is perceived as a technology of the future

The study shows that almost one in three employees (30 per cent) would prefer biometric authentication over traditional access methods. Furthermore, 46 per cent of working Americans expect biometric methods to replace a large proportion of today’s security and authentication requirements within the next five to ten years.

Acceptance is particularly high among younger users. Whilst 72 per cent of Generation Z respondents stated that they feel comfortable with biometric authentication, this figure stands at just 54 per cent among baby boomers.

Security and data protection remain the most important criteria

Among those respondents who are generally open to biometric methods, security and data protection are considered the most important requirements. 62 per cent cite security as a decisive factor, whilst 55 per cent rate data protection as particularly important.

At the same time, reservations about the technology remain. The greatest concern is that users could be locked out if the technology fails. This was stated by 52 per cent of respondents. Further concerns relate to the potential use of biometric data for surveillance purposes without consent (51 per cent) and the risk of hacking or spoofing attacks on biometric data (48 per cent).

Among those who are sceptical about biometric procedures, other concerns dominate. 56 per cent fear a loss of control over how their biometric data is stored or used. 55 per cent reject mandatory biometric authentication without alternative access methods. A further 53 per cent are concerned about unauthorised tracking or surveillance through the use of their biometric data.

Clear differences between the generations

The generation gap identified in the study is particularly striking. Generation Z shows the highest level of familiarity and openness towards biometric procedures.

Among those surveyed who accept biometrics in principle, 47 per cent of Generation Z can envisage using biometric authentication in the workplace. For millennials and members of Generation X, this figure stands at 42 per cent in each case. Among baby boomers, however, the figure is just 28 per cent.

Differences are also evident in terms of preferred authentication methods. More than a third of Generation Z (37 per cent) and Millennials (35 per cent) now prefer facial authentication for accessing sensitive data. This illustrates just how much technologies such as Face ID have already normalised the everyday use of biometric procedures.

Interestingly, a different picture emerges among older generations. 46 per cent of baby boomers, who do not reject biometrics in principle, can envisage the use of biometric procedures at airports. Among Generation Z, this figure stands at just 36 per cent. This suggests that older users associate biometric procedures more strongly with traditional security checks, whilst younger generations view them as an everyday convenience feature.

Across all age groups, acceptance remains comparatively low in areas less critical to security. Only around one in five can envisage the use of biometric procedures at the gym.

Trust remains a decisive factor for success

According to Alcatraz, the study shows that the technical capabilities of biometric systems alone do not determine their success. Rather, user trust is the decisive factor.

“Employees are increasingly realising that they do not need to disclose their personal identity data in order to work securely. Modern biometric systems can integrate multiple data protection mechanisms and do not require traditional surveillance technologies,” emphasises Tina D’Agostin. At the same time, the study shows that companies must take into account the differing expectations of different generations. Acceptance of biometric systems only arises when users develop trust in the technology.

Background to the study

The data comes from an online survey conducted by the market research firm YouGov Plc. The survey was carried out on 17 and 18 September 2025. A total of 1,243 adults in the US took part, including 602 people in full- or part-time employment. The results were weighted and are considered representative of the US adult population aged 18 and over.