Slashdot Mirror
Would You Submit Biometric Data to Join a Gym?
An anonymous reader asks: "I went to my gym (Rocky River, OH branch) yesterday and there was a huge line of people at the counter. When I went to the scanner to swipe my membership card, I noticed they were training people in the use of their new security system that requires the input of your thumb print. There currently a story on boingboing that mentions a tanning salon in Arkansas that is enacting a similar policy. I'm going to call the gym later today and see what type of security they have on their network. I guess we can look forward to a future where these sorts of personal services clubs require the submission of biometric data. I was wondering how the members here at Slashdot feel about the security risks involved in submitting biometric data to small private companies?"
I am fearful regarding theft of my fingerprint or any other biometric information since I KNOW that eventually, someone will steal it from anyone who collects it from me. But then, someone could easily get my fingerprint by following me around for a little while and picking up my trash. Same with DNA for that matter.
You'll have that sometimes...
I wouldnt be a member of that gym for much longer
I went to check out a nice large brand-new gym near my house. They handed me a form to fill out including a questionnaire and a space for my name phone number and address. I answered a few of their questions and just put my first name on the form.
They mentioned that they'd like me to fill in my phone number and address and I said, "no thank you, I'd like to check out the equipment first before signing up." They told me they couldn't show me the gym without that information. Still thinking we just had a misunderstanding I pointed out that I wasn't there to use the gym, I just wanted to see what they had to offer before signing up. They then proceeded to point out to me that they were prepared to give me a tour, but would not do so without my phone number and address.
I said, "goodbye" and walked out the door. Even my bank doesn't require biometrics and didn't ask for an address before they told me about their features. These fitness center folks are too big for their own britches. Pushups and situps are free and running shoes don't cost that much compared to a gym membership. I'd like to use the gym, but I don't have to and I certainly wont consider it untless they figure out how to be less intrusive.
TW