GMAT gains exclusive right to collect data in France

August 31, 2009

In July, the French National Commission for Data Protection and the Liberties (CNIL) authorized the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to use the new PalmSecure biometric device to authenticate the identity GMAT test takers.

No other private testing company has ever obtained permission to collect biometric data in France.

France and some other countries do not allow fingerprint collection, which is also a part of GMAT security measures. GMAC searched for alternatives to fingerprinting that would comply with international data privacy laws and still ensure the highest level of security for the GMAT exam.

The data (scans of palm vein patterns) are used to match candidate information of test takers around the world. No trace technology is used, no image is ever stored, and the data cannot be read by other devices. The CNIL noted in its approval that "[it] is not likely to be captured without the knowledge of the person concerned and therefore presents very little risk for the civil liberties and fundamental rights of the individuals."

GMAC expects to use the PalmSecure technology in all test centers by the close of 2009.

Read the full press release.

Find out more about the PalmSecure device.