The use of biometric devices are becoming more readily available and commonplace in the world we live in today. Many of these devices have been implemented in our everyday lives to increase security and expedite its process as well as to speed up the process of everyday tasks. One example of biometric devices already in use are thumbprint scanners being used in schools to purchase lunches, enter classrooms, and participate in school activities. There are also applications for biometric devices planning to be used. An example is Homeland Security. According to GlobalSecurity.org, Homeland Security could use biometric devices to improve airport security and strengthen U.S. borders by preventing ID theft as well as verifying visas and travel documents. Other potential aplications for these devices include banking, retail sales, health and social services, and law enforcement. With all of these potential uses for biometric devices, many people are concerned with safety, security, and sanitary issues that may arise with its deployment.
I believe people should in some cases be required to provide biometric information. Biometric information scanners are a great tool to aid in increasing security beyond its current status. In instances where ID verification is needed such as for security measures in school corporations or to help out Homeland Security, biometric devices should be used. However, I do not think that biometric devices should be used for anything other than verifying identity. There are too many security risks at hand if biometric information is used for anything more. If we use biometric devices too frequently, this could increase the chance of identity theft and provide very little privacy for its user. As far as sanitary issues are concerned, I do not see a great cause for worry. Touching a biometric device would be no different than using an ATM machine or opening a door. If users are worried about its sanitation, a hand sanitizing station could be set up next to the machine for use after.
The bottom line is, biometric devices provide a service that could easily increase our nations security as long as we do not use it to decrease security. In a controlled environment in which these scanners are only used to verify necessary personal identification, I do not foresee a cause for concern.
I agree with your opinion about the implication of biometric devices 100%. The possibilities for their use and implication is virtually limitless, if used in a constructive way. However, along with that you will have criminals trying to hack them to use them for their own personal benefit. I do not think that there is any one right answer to this problem, but as technology increases there may be better security features developed to prevent this.
ReplyDeleteI think they need to impliment more of these biometric devices to keep from things being stolen from people, or to keep others from getting access to places they aren't suppose to. I think the thumb print thing is pretty cool and need to put that in more places to identify people.
ReplyDeleteI agree that biometric devises should be used by more people. They are extremely useful for work, school, and even for security. With technology becoming more and more used in today's world, pretty soon biometric devices will be used in even the simplest everyday activities. This was a very informative piece of writing that I learned a lot about.
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