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.

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 : )