AI Challenges the Uniqueness of Our Fingerprints

Researchers at Columbia University have trained an AI tool to identify fingerprints from different fingers belonging to the same person, challenging the belief that each fingerprint is completely unique. The AI tool claims to be able to identify whether prints from different fingers come from one person with 75-90% accuracy, focusing on the orientation of ridges rather than traditional minutiae. While the study has potential implications for biometrics and forensic science, more research is needed to develop the technology further and address questions about its reliability in criminal casework.