Big Government and Big Tech both want your biometric data
By oliviacook // 2024-09-13
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Both Amazon and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are demanding the biometric data of all Americans. Amazon has introduced a groundbreaking biometric payment system, Amazon One, which allows users to pay for purchases, access loyalty rewards and enter certain restricted areas on Amazon properties all with the wave of a hand. Users who sign up agree to give Amazon data regarding their palm's unique vein patterns to help verify their identities. Launched last March 28, this technology is already being used at over 200 Whole Foods locations across 20 states, and Amazon plans to expand it to every Whole Foods in the United States by the end of the year. (Related: More businesses now resorting to BIOMETRICS so that government nannies can literally track everything you do, see and buy.) The technology is also being adopted by other retailers, such as Panera Bread – appearing in diverse locations like airports, convenience stores, gyms and stadiums. In a similar manner, TSA has introduced facial recognition technology at airports with a promise that the technology enhances safety and streamlines the travel experience. Facial recognition is used by the TSA to verify a traveler’s identity by scanning their face. This system captures a live image of the traveler's face and compares it to the photo on their ID or passport. If the two images match, the traveler is cleared to proceed – often without needing to show physical identification. For travelers who choose not to use this technology, the TSA continues to offer traditional ID checks. Participation in the facial recognition program is entirely voluntary and those who opt out will not face any delays or negative consequences. Facial recognition is not just limited to airport security. It is being adopted across various industries, including banking, retail and healthcare – promising benefits like faster service, improved accessibility and a more personalized user experience. However, as the technology becomes more widespread, so do the risks. These risks include inaccuracies and biases against certain age groups and ethnicities, the vulnerability of stored facial data and the possibility of criminal entities impersonating other individuals.

Biometric technologies spark security concerns

Hafiz Malik, a cybersecurity professor at the University of Michigan, cautioned that these systems are not infallible. Malik pointed out that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially enable the creation of fake versions of a person's voice, handprint or even face. These AI-generated forgeries could be used to trick biometric payment systems, highlighting the need for robust countermeasures like "liveness detection" – a technology used by Amazon to distinguish between real and fake palms. Another significant concern is the storage and protection of biometric data. Unlike a stolen credit card, which can be replaced, biometric data can't be changed if it is compromised. This permanence makes biometric data a highly attractive target for hackers. Evan Greer, director of the digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future, warned that trusting a corporation with biometric data also entails trusting that same corporation to keep that data safe. He said corporations have a really terrible track record of keeping people's personal information safe. Cynthia Rudin, a Duke University professor, further stressed the potential dangers if such sensitive data falls into the wrong hands. "They can control you in ways you don't like," said Rudin. "Those data sets can be used to control us anywhere in the world, including arresting us, or preventing us from entering stores that don't want customers in our salary bracket, or who have political views that disagree with the owners of the venues." Watch this demonstration of an Amazon One palm scanner. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

No cash or card allowed: Major supermarkets set to accept only BIOMETRICS payment. Mastercard rolls out payment system that uses FACIAL RECOGNITION technology. Facial recognition will soon identify shoplifters and ban them from stores, experts say it’s ripe for abuse. Sources include: WSJ.com BobsGuide.com TSA.gov CNBC.com Brighteon.com
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