Graham Home

1. It can’t be converted into a traditional fingerprint but could they use that digital fingerprint scan to access any other devices I may have that also utilizes it?
2. This is just silly. Of course, some determined individual could get my biometric data from any number of ways. The point is that it is there for companies that are demonstrably untrustworthy with the data that I’ve already provided them. Taking DNA for any usable purpose is absurdly expensive. It’s not about them stealing my DNA, eyescans, fingerprints, etc., it’s about A) me freely giving that data to them to be carelessly used, misused, stolen from them; B) putting all my eggs in one basket so that any nefarious individual could use those eggs to break into my henhouse.
3. Also kind of silly. I’ve had a smart phone for ten years. I’ve been giving them data for a decade through my devices. My point was why should I give them more personal data now when I know better? I’m well aware at this point of the dangers and I’ve taken steps to prevent at least some of my data from being used by others, for instance my location service is always off nowadays. Your argument seems to be “They’re already taking all of your data. Why not just give them all of it?” No. I know what they already have, why would I voluntarily give them more?

I don’t think that I’ve outsmarted anyone. I’m merely describing my skepticism. I don’t see the problem with being cautious at this point. And, while I freely acknowledge my ignorance of many things IT, I don’t believe that anyone knows what ‘they’ (hackers, criminals, incompetent corporations, NSA, etc.) will actually be able to do with biometric info. Right now, they can’t use my digital fingerprint for anything in the ‘Real World,’ do you have any reason to think this will remain the case?

Thanks for reading my column and for the comments though. You have given me some things to think about so thanks for that too.