OT: Biometric ID

[Orr Dunkelman]

Yes.

The Israeli biometric database (the law of "biometric identification
methods") is such that once you are in, you cannot be taken out (even if
they were willing to issue you an old ID card, the data would still be kept
in the database).

Without entering into the techincal discussion (the database is not really
needed), or the ethical one (a democratic state should be given the minimal
tools needed for its function), I would like to note that the head of the
security in the database promised it will not be connected to anything and
that they will use the most advanced computer security methods, such as
encryption and firewalls.

I personally do not trust the database, its holders, and advise anyone who
knows me (including students in my courses) to never go into it.

On Sun, Mar 15, 2015 at 12:25 PM, Gabor Szabo <gabor at szabgab.com> wrote:

> A few weeks ago I asked to get a biometric ID. They took my finger prints
> and asked all kinds of funny questions to make sure its me.
> Today I went to pick up my new ID and their system could not recognize my
> finger prints.
>
> I got a bit nervous, but they calmed me down that I have nothing to worry
> because the finger prints are only for the Interior Ministry and they are
> sure the one in the system matches the one on my finger and that I will
> only need it when dealing with Interior Ministry and they will mark in the
> system that the fingerprints did not match when I received the ID.
>
> So apparently they have a field in the database for this information.
>
> They offered to order a new biometric card - claiming that the problem is
> only in the card,
> but they can only do that if first they give the broken one to me.
>
> So I'd have a card that can identify me "without any doubt", except that
> the fingerprint in it cannot be matched to mine.
>
> I asked if I could get a new non-biometric ID, but I was told I cannot any
> more. Once I signed up for biometric ID, I cannot go back.
>
> Madness.
>
> Gabor
>
>
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-- 
Orr Dunkelman,
Orr.Dunkelman at gmail.com
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