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FBI's New Eye Scan Database Raising Eyebrows

Posted by timothy on from the trust-us-we're-from-the-government dept.

mattnyc99 writes "The FBI has confirmed to Popular Mechanics that it's not only adding palm prints to its criminal records, but preparing to balloon its repository of photos, which an agency official says 'could be the basis for our facial recognition.' It's all part of a new biometric software system that could store millions of iris scans within 10 years and has privacy advocates crying foul. Quoting: 'The FBI's Next Generation Identification (NGI) system, which could cost as much as $1 billion over its 10-year life cycle, will create an unprecedented database of biometric markers, such as facial images and iris scans. For criminal investigators, NGI could be as useful as DNA some day — a distinctive scar or a lopsided jaw line could mean the difference between a cold case and closed one. And for privacy watchdogs, it's a dual threat — seen as a step toward a police state, and a gold mine of personal data waiting to be plundered by cybercriminals.'"

4 of 229 comments (clear)

  1. Re:too many movies by 26199 · · Score: 5, Informative

    You seem to be talking about retinal scanners -- iris recognition is considerably less intrusive. I don't know about retinal scans being harmful, but I'm quite sure iris recognition isn't.

    (At least, in the superficial physical sense).

  2. Re:Blah by pilgrim23 · · Score: 4, Informative

    BBC did a documentary on biometrics a year or so back. Iris ID has been used in Dubai for soem time it said. Also it pointed out that a way to defeat this is any drug that dialates the pupils. So; smoke a bong and smile ;)

    --
    - Minutus cantorum, minutus balorum, minutus carborata descendum pantorum.
  3. Re:too many movies by gnick · · Score: 4, Informative

    You're correct. Iris scans, as opposed to retinal scans, can be done quickly using only ambient lighting. And, with decent optics, they can be done at surprising distances. The only real limitation is the atmospheric effects you get from small air currents, thermals, etc. And, on a calm, cool day, those don't become an issue for a good way off.

    --
    He's getting rather old, but he's a good mouse.
  4. Re:Blah by sm62704 · · Score: 3, Informative

    Also it pointed out that a way to defeat this is any drug that dialates the pupils. So; smoke a bong and smile ;)

    Marijuana doesn't dialate the pupils, although it can make your eyes red and droopy (maybe just as good). Non-addictive drugs don't do jack to the pupils.

    If you want your eyes dialated, you're going to have to snort coke or smoke meth or crack. Downers and narcotics like Heroin or Demerol will make your pupils constrict.

    --
    mcgrew's razor: Never attribute to stupidity that which can be explained by greedy self-interest