Bias Testing Services
Ensuring that biometrics do not discriminate in order to build public confidence.
BixeLab provides independent biometric bias testing services to assess the levels of demographic bias in biometric systems, including in capture mechanisms, presentation attack detection sub-systems, matcher algorithms and more.
We help organisations assess whether their biometric systems perform consistently across demographic groups of interest—so that systematic discrimination relating to demographic factors can be minimised or eliminated. We are proud to be the first laboratory in the world accredited by NVLAP to test for bias according to the ISO/IEC specification 19795-10.
What Is Bias?
Bias in biometric systems refers to systematic variations in performance based on demographic factors. Such biases may result from problems in many areas or subsystems – such as capture mechanisms (e.g. different skin tones being captured by cameras with different exposure levels, resulting in different performance characteristics) or problems with algorithms (e.g. training data sets excluding particular groups may result in poorer performance for those groups). The resulting bias can result in different performance characteristics based on demographic groups and as a result these effects are usually technically described as ‘demographic differentials’.
Real-world factors such as lighting, motion, camera positioning, and device capabilities all impact system performance. BixeLab helps clients test and optimise biometric systems to minimise bias in the environments in which they are deployed.
Benefits of Testing for Bias
Operational Readiness
Ensure systems function fairly in the actual environments where they are deployed.
Regulatory Assurance
Meet technical standards and framework requirements for non-discrimination in key use scenarios.
Build Public Confidence
Deliver public services with independent assurance that bias is not resulting in systemic discrimination.
What Can Be Tested for Bias?
All biometric modes – face is the most common concern at present, but all are relevant
Environmental resilience (e.g., lighting, temperature, noise, mobility)
Presentation Attack Detection and liveness verification
Algorithm performance in matching, whether in 1:1 match or 1:N search usage
Device impacts on bias – whether specific devices exhibit undesirable capture properties
Demographic characteristics of interest – often ethnic background, gender and skin tone are important, but in some contexts other attributes are key
Conformance to ISO/IEC 19795-10:2024 testing standards
Our Capabilities
As the world’s first laboratory formally accredited by NVLAP (Lab Code: 600301-0) to test for bias in biometric systems, BixeLab offers trusted expertise in real-world testing and assurance relating to bias in biometric systems.
Our services include:
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Environmental and field testing of biometric access devices
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Spoofing resistance and liveness validation
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Throughput and user experience assessment
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System accuracy testing under operational stress
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Advisory on deployment strategies and failure mitigation
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Risk assessment for mission-critical systems
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Training support via BixeAcademy
Why Choose BixeLab?
Q: Can you simulate real-world environments for testing?
Yes. We conduct laboratory and field testing under variable lighting, temperature, and usage scenarios to match your deployment conditions.
Q: Can you test for all demographic groupings?
Absolutely. We recruit external participants to match your requirements, to ensure alignment of the results with the environment in which the system will be operated.
Q: What types of clients use this service?
Government border agencies, retailers, police agencies, digital identity users, critical infrastructure operators, and system integrators rely on our assurance services.