6533b822fe1ef96bd127d92c

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Privacy invasions

subject

description

Nowhere has technological progress been as dramatic as in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). Citizens of the developed world now live in an environment in which access to electronic information and communication is nearly ubiquitous—and we rely heavily on being surrounded by this technology. In fact, it is so omnipresent that we only recognize our dependence on ICT when a network server or a communications system fails, leaving us cut off from cyberspace. > …computers, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, music players and all other types of electronic gadgets are further shrinking in size, and we will soon wear them as we do clothes or jewellery… The fields of biometrics and ICT aim to develop approaches that allow individuals to identify themselves and gain access to services without having to carry electronic gadgets or any physical means of identification, such as a credit card, driving licence or identity card. Although such technology, which relies on either implanted microchips or sophisticated and ubiquitous identification techniques, could make life easier, it also holds enormous challenges in regard to privacy infringement. Assuming that the necessary technology is universally disseminated, anyone could be recognized and identified anywhere on the basis of their personal characteristics or traits. Steven Spielberg portrayed this technology in 2002 in the film Minority Report , in which retinal scanners located in all public places allowed the immediate identification of anyone. Yet, this scenario is not purely science fiction: several European airports, including Amsterdam/Schiphol in The Netherlands and Frankfurt/Rhein‐Main in Germany, have installed iris scanners to offer frequent flyers a fast‐track check‐in, bypassing the normal passport inspections. As a result of the PATRIOT Act, every non‐American who enters the USA is now photographed and fingerprinted at the border control. In addition, new regulations from the US Department of Homeland …