Personal view ahead…

It’s how you sell it. If the school has used the word “Fingerprint” then they are their own worst enemy. What these systems take is not a fingerprint in the same sense that it might be scanned in a Police station.

This line in the ICO guidance says it all:

“Suspicions are only likely to be increased when new and possibly controversial technology is introduced without a comprehensive effort to address people’s fears and concerns.”

Engage with the school, clarify the issues, show them the ICO guidance. KEEP CALM!

As for it being developmentally damaging for kids to use biometric devices… you are joking?

Jon

From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Aston Information Security
Sent: 16 May 2012 10:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Biometrics in Schools

Dear All

A friend has contacted me with some concerns at their son’s school.

The school has stated that they WILL take the son’s fingerprints, without consent from the parents, as part of an overall School initiation for Registration of all pupils and they will have to scan themselves regularly.

The child is 9 years old and I would have thought under English Law is not deemed sufficiently competent enough to understand the implementations of agreeing to give their Biometric data, thus any pretension from a School that they do not need parental permission is simply wrong.

Agree?

My understanding is that the ICO has declared that a person must understand the implementation of giving their Bio-metric data away.

If the school went ahead would this be considered an offense committed against a minor?.

Is biometrics excessive over a simple register?

Any thoughts greatly received.

Thanks

Jason

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