Biometrics

I had to write a paper about biometrics for my Intro to Computers class. I know, you're probably thinking "bio-what-ics?"

Let me give you the scaled version of my paper. Remember how people could activate computers with their voices on Star Trek (any of them)? That's biometrics. Basically, it's using yourself, your biology, physiology as your "key" to gain access to systems. The most prevalent form of biometrics is fingerprint comparison. You've seen it. It's when you use your fingerprint to gain access to a system or room. This method is generally the lowest in cost, so even everyday Joes can use fingerprint comparison to unlock their cars or computers. It sounds great, right?

Well, some of the more invasive forms of biometrics threaten to infringe on people's privacy. For instance, facial scans can be used to scan a stadium of people to find terrorists. Sounds simple enough, right? People at the 2001 Super Bowl didn't think so when it happened to them. Of course a year later in New Orleans at the 2002 Super Bowl, people didn't complain as much, mostly because we were still dealing with the horror of the 9/11 attacks.

So, is biometrics good or bad? Well, as with any new technology, there is potential for good and for bad. Each of us has to decide.