Biometrics
"Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us."—Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, "The One Un-American Act." Nieman Reports, vol. 7, no. 1 (Jan. 1953): p. 20.
News about Biometrics
Scanning fingers a privacy threat? (June 14, 2005)
Library leaders say the system will reduce the likelihood of patrons—especially children—swapping library cards to gain access to Internet sites. Critics say it raises privacy and confidentiality issues.
Naperville to Launch Fingerprint ID System for Internet Access (May 20, 2005)
The Naperville (Ill.) Public Library board approved a $40,646 contract May 18 with a local technology firm to install fingerprint scanners on its public internet computers. The scanners, to be installed this summer, will replace the current system of requiring patrons to enter their library-card and PIN numbers to prove their identity, the Chicago Tribune reported May 20.
Library card? Check. Fingerprint? Really? (Chicago Tribune, May 20, 2005)
SOURCES
Intellectual Freedom Issues; Privacy and Confidentiality; Privacy Tool Kit
Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
From Questions and Answers on Privacy and Confidentiality, "What about smart cards, or ID cards that use biometric enhancements? Won't they help protect privacy?
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Biometrics