West End Extra - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Published: 30 November 2007
ID: why we shouldn’t hand over our fingerprints
• WHEN, not if, the projected ID cards database is leaked, it will make the HMRC scandal seem trivial. The scheme is designed to move data between government departments. That is what “identity management” means to this government: them managing your identity, for their convenience and with utter contempt for your privacy.
Once all your personal information is captured under Home Office control, it could end up anywhere. It just cannot be secured. Adding fingerprints to other confidential details won’t secure the information that is on the ID database.
Officials won’t be using your fingerprint to unlock the information to pass it around. Biometrics will just make stolen data more valuable.
And when breaches DO happen, you won’t be able to change your fingers like you can an account number.
Please join NO2ID and stop the government’s database madness. PHIL BOOTH
National co-ordinator, NO2ID
Box 412, 19-21 Crawford Street, W1H 1PJ
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