A discussion on the future of child protection, digital identity, and the responsible use of biometric systems.
The Institute 1 April officially opens a platform for professional, technological, and public discussion on the future of child protection, digital identity, and the responsible use of biometric systems in modern society.
At a time of rapid advances in artificial intelligence, digital identities, automated systems, and the increasing misuse of personal data, the issue of individual security has become one of the defining challenges of the future. The protection of children and the prevention of identity misuse in the digital environment are particularly sensitive and important areas.
To explore potential solutions, the Institute 1 April presents the following initiative:
QEI (Quantized Encrypted Identity) – a conceptual research biometric identification system designed according to the principles of:
- privacy protection,
- local data processing,
- limited and controlled use,
- and the responsible implementation of technology.
The initiative is based on the “privacy by design” approach, where sensitive biometric data is not intended to be centrally stored in raw form. Instead, it is processed within a secure environment using modern cryptographic methods and anonymized identifiers.
“Privacy and security should never be opposing forces. The future must be able to protect both.”
— Institute 1 April
The purpose of this initiative is not mass surveillance of individuals, but rather to explore how technology could, in exceptional cases and within a clearly defined legal framework, help with:
- protecting children,
- identifying missing persons,
- preventing identity misuse,
- and improving security in particularly sensitive environments.
The Institute emphasizes that the development of such solutions must always be accompanied by a clear legal framework, independent oversight, transparency, and full respect for fundamental human rights.
With the launch of this initiative, the Institute 1 April also opens a public platform for experts, legal professionals, researchers, technology developers, and the wider public who wish to contribute to the discussion on future standards for identity protection and the responsible use of biometrics in Europe.
The QEI initiative marks the beginning of a broader discussion on how future technologies can serve humanity in a responsible, ethical, and secure manner.
