Biometrics

Biometrics identification cards are gaining popularity and media coverage, especially with the introduction of very inexpensive and cost effective technology from Microsoft. But with the possibility of biometrics identification cards for widespread government use comes privacy and security issues and concern from many Americans.

The biometrics identification cards would be mandatory from all Americans and legal immigrants, including children and non-drivers. The biometrics identification cards could be used much like today's identification cards, with one important difference. The biometrics identification cards would hold digital information in a bar code or chip that would allow verification of the data on the cards.

Another way that the biometrics identification cards would be used is through fingerprint, retinal, or iris scans. These scans would be embedded in the biometrics of the identification cards, and then read using a special scanner. Alternatively, people could be required to submit to retinal, iris, or fingerprint scans at government agencies or by police departments, whereby all known information about the individual would be accessible by anyone with the appropriate readers and computer system access.

This is where the privacy and security issues come into play. First, the biometrics identification cards combined with the computer system access, by their very nature, would allow for unlimited tracking of all Americans. Biometric readers are already available that can be disguised in door ways and other venues to read the biometrics embedded in such cards. This would allow any government agency full access to our every movement.

One suggestion that has arisen to stop this massive invasion of privacy is to establish legislation that would only allow the reading of biometrics identification cards in certain circumstances, when such information is actually necessary. This legislation would need to be passed in conjunction with legislation putting the biometrics identification cards into place. With this type of legislation, the biometrics identification card would become an easier way to access information in situations where such information is already accessed, rather than allowing carte blanch probing of our movements.

Security issues are also a concern for many Americans. Although steps would and have been taken to protect the information on the biometric identification cards, it is well known that thieves and terrorists remain but one step behind technology. The idea that anyone who could get their hands on a biometrics reader could access our entire personal lives with a simple scan is very scary indeed. And, unfortunately, the scenario is quite possible. One idea that has been proposed to avoid this unauthorized scanning of biometrics identification cards is the use of foil covers for the cards, or foil inserts for wallets. The aluminum foil would prevent anyone from reading the card unless it was presented for that purpose.

Regardless of the privacy and security concerns of many Americans, biometrics identification cards will likely become reality within the next few years. While it will be a slow transition, within another decade the biometrics identification cards will undoubtedly be used all over America.