From mistrust to confidence: How NeuroTech improves privacy for mistrusted digital environments in a formerly incarcerated population

As digital platforms increasingly mediate everyday life, privacy-preserving technologies must account for the lived experiences of marginalized users. This study investigates how formerly incarcerated individuals, who often face heightened mistrust and feelings of surveillance with technologies, respond to Biometric Access Systems as a solution for privacy concerns. In Study 1, qualitative findings revealed TikTok, Meta, and video conferencing were the most mistrusted digital platforms, with respondents citing persistent surveillance and a lack of control when engaging with these platforms. In Study 2, we evaluated a novel Biometric Access System – NeuroTech – which uses neuro-vibrational patterns for local authentication. Results showed that NeuroTech significantly reduced privacy concerns and increased user engagement, especially among formerly incarcerated users. The strength of NeuroTech comes from its design, which minimizes surveillance by avoiding facial recognition and eliminates data transmission by granting users local, body-based control over their data. Although formerly incarcerated populations may be skeptical of existing systems, they may be receptive to solutions that empower autonomy, especially if implemented with respect. • NeuroTech solves the privacy and discrimination issues found in Facial Recognition. • Formerly incarcerated individuals expressed strong mistrust with digital platforms. • NeuroTech reduces privacy concerns and boosts engagement vs. facial recognition. • NeuroTech adds control for formerly incarcerated users with surveillance concerns. • NeuroTech boosts trust and engagement most for formerly incarcerated participants.