A few weeks ago one of our Privacy Gurus® went for a work out at the gym. She was quite shocked to find a new high tech entry system in place that included a fingerprint scan. She watched in amazement as people freely offered up their index finger to be scanned for biometric identification purposes without even wondering why in the world the gym needs a to have an impression of their fingerprint. After asking a few questions regarding this policy, much to the annoyance of the people waiting in line behind her, our Privacy Guru® refused the scan. Not surprisingly, a couple of other people in line also chose not to offer up their biometric information either.

Biometric data may be the most personal information there is used to verify or determine a person’s identity since these are a highly distinctive representation of physiological or behavioral characteristics. They are considered unique identifiers. We use these indicators daily when we recognize the sound of someone’s voice on the telephone or see that distinguishing scar above his or her eye that he likes to say is from a duel but was really from a fall on the playground in second grade. The most common electronically gathered biometric identifiers are signatures, fingerprints, iris/retinal, voice and facial scans. By the way, DNA is not considered a standard biometric as it requires a tangible physical sample as opposed to an impression, image, or recording.

Many consumers have become most comfortable with the convenience of biometric identification as witnessed with the spreading use of the electronic signature tablet most of us have signed using a motion-sensitive stylus at a retail store when making a purchase with a credit card.

What do we have to be concerned with regarding privacy protection of our uniquely personal information? First and foremost, how it is been protected. Who has access to this information? Is it stored with Fort Knox-like security? Does the collector of the data share what they have gathered with anyone else?

Even with all of those questions answered by the gym handout on their exciting new check-in system, our Privacy Guru® still hasn’t yielded her fingerprint. She still feels unwilling to trade biometric privacy for convenience.

Darity Wesley is CEO and Legal Counsel for Privacy Solutions, Inc. a San Diego based consulting firm. Her team of Privacy Gurus® work with you to create policies and procedures to establish the expectation of privacy for your members, clients, customers, prospects, affiliates, associates, employees and vendors. You can reach her at (619)670-9462 or Darity@privacygurus.com