Queries on safety of ‘biometrics’
i n response to my previous article on the necessity of accepting fingerprint procedures, a reader shared the following concerns:
“i personally am not afraid of biometric fingerprinting itself. my worry centers on the potential for misuse in the future. as i mentioned, these systems rely on facial physiology, but there’s no guarantee that, someday, someone won’t devise a fake face that mimics anyone’s dimensions using micromechanics.
“i’m also wary of the procedures and locations used to store this sensitive personal information, as well as the measures to protect it from external breaches or misuse. who is overseeing this data, and with what authority? what legal guidelines ensure its confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access?”
“the reader also pointed out that in some countries, companies are authorized to collect and store users’ fingerprints on their own servers. but can these companies be trusted with such sensitive data?
additionally, he raised a critical gap in legislation, noting the lack of regulations that require both public and private sectors to follow specific protocols for storing, retrieving, and handling personal data — whether fingerprints, medical records, employment fi les, or civil information.
for example, what consequences would a private-sector doctor face if they leaked a patient’s record, revealing a psychological condition that could impact employment opportunities?
ultimately, the reader concluded that while most people may act with good intentions, there seems to be limited recognition of the importance of safeguarding personal information.
for various cultural and educational reasons, these issues don’t receive widespread attention. sadly, it’s often all too easy to access and expose someone’s medical fi le, which could irreparably harm their life without justification.
the reader’s questions are indeed valid, and they highlight an important need for legislation that protects personal data stored by various entities and prevents unauthorized access.
the hacking incidents targeting government servers — including civil information databases — underscore these concerns.
for example, hacks have led to changes in residential addresses, resulting in identity cards reflecting false addresses, which has impacted election results and other critical matters.
given these incidents, it’s understandable why many feel uneasy about the security of their personal information and question whether it is genuinely protected by state agencies, accessible only to highly authorized personnel. this issue clearly requires urgent attention.
however, we must also consider the reality of the world we live in -- a world fraught with threats and challenges. complete privacy is no longer feasible; it is often unavoidable to share personal information with entities like hospitals or embassies.
while this necessity exists, it should not detract from our continuous and firm demands that relevant authorities, including the civil information office and ministry of health, adopt the highest standards in data protection to prevent misuse of personal information. balancing security needs with data privacy will be essential in moving forward.
note: former mp al-muwaizri appeared in a recorded tape, in which he tried to defend his weak position on the biometric fingerprint. he should have been objective and reduce the statements that reveal the shallowness of many things he has!
