Hong Kong Gets Smart ID Cards

darnellmc writes: "This AP article is about Hong Kong's new smart ID cards (mandatory) with "embedded computer chips that hold names, pictures and birthdates -- as well as a digital template of both thumbprints". The picture in the article shows a man holding them and smiling. The article also mentions "Hong Kong's government backed down on proposals to have the cards carry health and bank records". The Hong Kong government hopes to add optional features like using them as driving licenses and library cards. This government learned nothing from the USA's abuse of the Social Security number, this is much worse. Hoping one card will do it all. These cards are also in the works in other countries like Finland, Malaysia and Japan where they are to be optional. Thailand is working on a mandatory card."

Comments

Re:ID Card Threat?

[tenman]

But the only places I could think of needing to use it are

That's part of the issue. It starts out needing to be used there, and then the guy who cuts your hair wants to see it, then the magazine subscription company, and then people call your house at 3AM and try to sell you something based on your card. A agree with this poster you should have a long read. Then when you say "they would never do something like that", we can all say we told you so.

Re:ID Card Threat?

[Betcour]

True - countries with ID cards are police state (all western Europe for example, including Holland) while countries without are free countries (USA for example, which has the highest percentage of jailed people in the world !).

Orwell message would be stronger if he wasn't used and abused all the time...