This study presents a comprehensive overview of biometric technologies, ranging from facial and fingerprint recognition to national identification systems and AIdriven solutions. The authors compare the legal approaches of leading jurisdictions: in the EU, a strict framework is established by the GDPR and the forthcoming AI Act, while in the United States, regulation is predominantly shaped at the state level, with an emphasis on consumer protection. The analysis of global practices covers the large-scale Aadhaar program in India, China's regulations on processing "sensitive information," initiatives in Argentina and Brazil and the implementation of biometric identification in ECOWAS countries. Russia's Unified Biometric System is examined separately; shortcomings in data protection are identified and measures are proposed to enhance security and expand citizens' control over their biometric templates. The paper underscores that the harmonization of international standards, transparent mechanisms for independent oversight and the development of a service economy are key conditions for the responsible growth of the biometrics market, especially given the escalating capabilities of artificial intelligence.