This process answers the question, “Are you who you claim to be?” The user makes an identity claim (e.g., by providing a username), and the system performs a one-to-one comparison between their live biometric template and the single template stored for that specific identity. This is used for authentication, such as unlocking a device or accessing a secure account. 

This process answers the question, “Who are you?” The system performs a one-to-many comparison, searching an entire database of stored templates to find a match for the user’s live biometric template. This is used in applications like law enforcement to identify a suspect from a crime scene fingerprint, or in national ID programs to prevent duplicate registrations.