National Biometric IDs

Jester998 writes "I just came across this article about how two U.S. congressmen want biometric identification. They're trying to avoid the controversial 'national ID' issue by creating what would be new drivers licenses with biometric information embedded. What does the Slashdot community think about having your retinal pattern embedded on a smart card?"

Comments

actually,

[eric6]

i'd just like my retinas embedded on a smart card. then i could see if i have correct change before pulling out my wallet.

Re:Two words.

[n3r0.m4dski11z]

Oh canada,
glorious and free,
god save our land,
from americans tyranny.

What a relief

[Jerp]

I'm just relieved that they no longer want our rectal pattern stamped on the license.

Hand and forehead

[Wedman]

Why not just mark everybody's hand and forehead? If they don't have the mark, don't let them buy and sell. Easy as that.

Re:ID.

[(H)elix1]

Try buying a case of beer with a "non-driver identification card" some time. Or god forbid, a passport.

No kidding. Last week I went to Taco Johns, paid with a check, and was asked for some ID. I had my passport, but they would not take it.... had to be a driver's license.

A week later I go to get a new drivers license -- moved states. The DMV would not take the others state's license since it only had my middle initial, not my full middle name. They did take the passport as ID, however.

Stop thief!

[bachelor3]

Using a biometric identifier in an encrypted chip would make it much harder for criminals to steal people's identities, Drummond said.

Harder?!? Like when Arnie used an employee's dismembered thumb to gain unauthorized access in The Sixth Day, or when Wesley used a employee's eyeball to escape from prison in Demolition Man??? Oh no, biometric technology will simply cause violent crimes to increase. Identity theft will come to signify the loss of a finger or eyeball! We must rely on movies to provide the rationalization our policy makers lack : )

Another two words

[gambit3]

My Condolences