Supporters of biometrics insist that concerns over privacy and data security are misplaced. Once a fingertip image has been taken electronically, it is then converted into a meaningless series of letters and numbers and the original image deleted. And while fingerprinting may have criminal associations, there is now a move towards face-recognition systems, which are unthreatening and user-friendly.These technologies are being adopted because they are cheap, convenient and consumers and stakeholders are demanding them.
“We don’t ask parents’ permission, because all that’s required is a simple photograph,” says Kelli Foster, head of sixth-form at Sir Christopher Hatton School in Northamptonshire, where face-recognition technology allows sixth-formers to clock in and out. “But if the law changes, I’m sure our students will persuade their parents to sign up because they like the system. They won’t want to lose it.”
THE PROPOSED CHANGES
- Schools will not be allowed to process biometric information without written parental consent unless a student is aged 18 or over.
- Consent will be required from “each parent of the child”.
- The child’s consent will still be required.
- Alternative systems must be put in place so that, if permission is refused, children are not disadvantaged.
Most all biometric implementations in schools already have opt-out provisions. It is interesting to note that the proposed changes require an opt-in system which will impose additional costs on schools and parents and erode the return on investment (ROI) the technology provides to schools.
