I'm looking for some advice. I'm not quite sure if it's ethical, moral, legal or what.
You likely know that I travel quite a bit and that I spend a great deal of time in immigration and customs lineups that I would prefer to avoid if I could. Well, I've noticed that a couple of government institutions from a couple of countries which will remain nameless for the purposes of this update are promoting a system where you can avoid the long lines by applying for a special pass for frequent travellers. Of course they put the emphasis on cutting the lines, so recently I applied for said pass, only to discover that, by the way, we'll be scanning your iris in order to ID you when you pass through. As much as I would love to save time in lineups (and I've spent literally hours doing that), the whole thing strikes me as very 1984/Gattaca/Bourne Identity.
So what do you think? Am I selling my soul for a few minutes in line? Or is it just practical way for someone who travels to save time? Please weigh in on the blog comments space if you want. I'm undecided at this point, and your insight would be appreciated.
19 comments:
I don't know the answer to that one. Is it just a matter of time before we all have to have our iris scanned?
Hey Bob,
I for one would NOT do it - I am getting really tired of the government teating you as Guilty first, by default making you prove your innocence, instead of the otherway around.
For what it's worth...
Paul in Wisconsin
At a time when racial profiling is the order of the day, I'd rather rely on biometrics to prove my identity and spend less time in line.
I don't know Bob. The thought kind of gives me the creeps. You could always change you name to Winston Smith--kev.
go for it. The whole iris thing will be widespread soon so do it now and save time. The next step is the implanted 666 on your forearm to get you through lines faster. I'd think twice about that one.
co
I have the same vague fear you do that governments can't be trusted with this sort of plan but at the end of the day it's just another irrational fear.
Get scanned, get through the lines faster and use your saved time to prepare for a real threat like a zombie uprising.
Unless you fear someone stealing your eyes to sell to terrorists, I say what the hey, why not?
Seriously, though, I just see it as a more efficient method for those who have the technology.
Hello cousin,
Good question but I'm of the thought it is just another advancement in technology and if it saves a significant amount of time, I say why not. Just stop the scanning if you start to feel a burning in your eye :)
Yo in Ajax
Or should I refer to you as some ramdom number in the future. My view.... You're not selling your soul. I can't think of a single other thing that a retinal scan could be used for. You aren't supplying DNA, no finger print,.... In fact, nothing to tie you to any future or past crimes. Would you be worried about someone stealing your eyes?
They have a system at Sarnia for frequent border crossers, but it is similar to the 407. There is a fee, and if you don't use it almost every day, it isn't worth the expense...
Governments have the responsibility of providing for public safety and keeping the peace. Knowing who is coming into your country can help to minimize any potential problems. It seems to me that iris scans are much more efficient than the current system of passports and standing in line. Although there is always the potential for governmental abuse as you suggested in your original message, I believe that chance is small. Besides, is there something shady in your past that you're not telling us about Bob? ;)
Just my two cents worth.
JoeZ
I’d do it if I travelled a lot– I hate customs and immigration – I know a few people that have Nexus for business and personal reasons – just crossing the border a lot – is that what you’re talking about – and it does help you get through faster – you get to go to a special line. And what do you care about scanning your iris – that’s going to be the future for all ID anyway – unless you’re going to be doing something criminal and you don’t want them to have all your info on file - LOL
Go for it. Retinal scanning is ancient technology anyways. They already have technology that can provide a DNA scan based on dry skin cells. In a few years everybody will be easily identifiable with or without cooperation. While that dystopia evolves you can be whisking through customs and spending that saved time on the mats.
Peter @ Kokoro
I'd do it. The first time might seem weird but you'll get used to it in no time and then you'll save time. It's all about time.
Bob,
Biometrics is the wave of the future -- some mid-east countries -- I think Bahrain is one of them -- scan every single visitor now.
No easy answer, but personally I wouldn't sweat it. Every new technology in world history has been met with a howl of outrage.
Tom D
Interesting question you ask. My guess is that we will all be having our irises scanned all the time not too far down the timeline from now. You may as well benefit from being a pioneer.
Safe travels,
Dianne
Hi Bob,
The passport tells them who you are for identification. That is its purpose...identification. So for me the question is "Are you who you say you are?" Is so, then the Iris scan is no different than the fingerprints (now electronic) of old or a faster way of saying the passport is real. I would go for the scan and save the time to think up other good questions to poke and prod the rest of us to respond too! Thanks, Doug
I sympathize with your plight. However, do you th... I sympathize with your plight. However, do you think THEY don't know who you are already, with your RFID-equipped passport, etc.? Are you planning to change your identity in the near future?
I HATE airport security, (heck, I hate everything about the stress in airports) and if I had to travel as much as you do, I would probably walk through the "quick" line naked to beat the crowds--although it's all still so much like a cow to slaughter. As much as you travel, it's probably a lot more than a few minutes over the course of a year. Bottom line, it's "...just a practical way for someone who travels [a lot] to save time" ...my $0.02
Barry
nonymous) 11/20/08
does it sound orwellian? you bet. would it save ... does it sound orwellian? you bet. would it save you time in line? you bet. on the horns of a dilemma. just remember that at this point you still have a choice. that is a good thing. recall too that once you submit to scanning you likely will not be queried as to how or who else might acquire or use that retina scan.
recently while driving for work i came across a car in a ditch on the side of the road. the driver was slumped over the wheel, unconscious, barely breathing. The car was still in drive with the radio on, clearly something happened while driving. I called 911 and was surprised at how fast the sheriff, EMTs and ambulance came for a rural portion of Minnesota. Somewhere between the EMTs and the ambulance the sheriff asked for my drivers license and one from the other driver who stopped. I never queried him as to what he would do, but after getting them he went to his squad car and checked them through the system. Excuse me? I stopped and helped, I offered my services, I helped save a life. I did get thanked but I also got 'screened'. Do I have anything to hide from the police at this point? No. But I tell you I sure felt violated. If I was slumped over the wheel of my car I would not want someone passing by to spend time thinking about if it was worth it or not to stop and render assistance. I dont care if a felon saves my life - I want assistance.
Your question got me thinking.....
I think there are no moral/ethical/legal issues here, well not so much as a question of trust. Do you/can you trust the governments of the said countries to treat your personal information with the due integrity and respect that it needs to be treated with?
Of course you can't.
And even if you could, there is the secondary issue about you as privileged westerner receiving special treatment that would be denied to others.... Why should you get the opportunity to jump the queue?
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