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US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

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11–20 of 432 posts

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#11
post #5

Am I the only one that doesn't really consider "fingerprints and facial images" to be biometric data? When I think "biometric", I think hair samples, DNA, blood type, even though I know fingerprints and eye color are technically biometric.

Its easier for someone to obtain and identify your DNA than it is your fingertips or even your face.

Just think of how much you leave around all the time. If that's all on records with facial images, your face is certainly an identifiable metric of your biology.

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#12

I think it is vital we continue to discuss it here, but at the same time my conversations with my extended family show that people overall do not share my concerns over these at all. I do not get upset, because coming from a former soviet union country, I am trying hard to understand their frame of mind ( partially to see if there is a way to counter it ) and lot of it seems to a result from a deep trust in the syste…

I very much share your concern and frustration, but even I take convenience over principle in some matters. I happily use TSA PreCheck, despite hating the fact that you have to put yourself on a government list to restore a level of dignity while traveling that the same government took away in the first place.

It's a constant struggle with a lot to sacrifice for your principles. See Richard Stallman for an example of someone who no doubt endures many inconveniences in his life in his ardent avoidance of nonfree software.

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#13

I think it is vital we continue to discuss it here, but at the same time my conversations with my extended family show that people overall do not share my concerns over these at all. I do not get upset, because coming from a former soviet union country, I am trying hard to understand their frame of mind ( partially to see if there is a way to counter it ) and lot of it seems to a result from a deep trust in the syste…

It's mindblowing that people aren't bothered by it.

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#14
post #5

Am I the only one that doesn't really consider "fingerprints and facial images" to be biometric data? When I think "biometric", I think hair samples, DNA, blood type, even though I know fingerprints and eye color are technically biometric.

What distinction would you draw between these two groups of data?

Intrusively versus non-intrusively acquired? It's just a feeling I have and I don't think that I'm alone on this.

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#15
post #5

Am I the only one that doesn't really consider "fingerprints and facial images" to be biometric data? When I think "biometric", I think hair samples, DNA, blood type, even though I know fingerprints and eye color are technically biometric.

That's a surprising statement to read. All your examples allow for statically significant unique identification (of a person).

I think that's where the threat actually lies. I'm equally worried about traces I leave with my Visa/MasterCard than those I leave with my uncovered face or fingerprints.

The main difference being that I can easily control the traces I leave with my cards, less so the traces I leave with my ohone, and it takes a significant effort to lkit traces from my face or fingers.

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#16
Starting from WWI western world is moving from what was basically complete freedom of movement to a corral. Think the best response would be something in line of go fuck yourself. No visa waiver - be my guest and have your tourism industry go belly up. Once tourism industry goes economic cooperation might eventually follow. Maybe this will teach our masters a bit.

P.S. Being originally from USSR freedom of movement was one of the things I've admired greatly about the west. After 30 years it is being vaporized in front of my eyes. This is insanity and is very sad. And we are doing this crap to ourselves. Osamas and Putins of the world must be having time of their lives.

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#18

Say no and hang up. If they start something, respond in kind, and ask our allied countries to stand united. The US needs the world far, far more than the world needs the US, and it's time the world realizes this. Forcing this nation of war-criminals and foreign policy bullies in line is long overdue.

Don’t hold your breath.

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#19
post #5

Am I the only one that doesn't really consider "fingerprints and facial images" to be biometric data? When I think "biometric", I think hair samples, DNA, blood type, even though I know fingerprints and eye color are technically biometric.

Yes, you're the only one. These are biometric data types.

Re: US Government demands direct police access to European biometric data [pdf]

#20
post #5

Am I the only one that doesn't really consider "fingerprints and facial images" to be biometric data? When I think "biometric", I think hair samples, DNA, blood type, even though I know fingerprints and eye color are technically biometric.

> Am I the only one that doesn't really consider "fingerprints and facial images" to be biometric data?

I would hope so. It appears that you are conflating 'biometric' and 'biological'.

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