So, I was perusing the news today and found this interesting little tidbit:
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1153692610630&call_
pageid=970599119419
According to this story, Canada's passport office is on the road to using biometric scans. The short version of the story is that once the system is implemented, they will be able to take your passport application photo, scan it into their system and run it against not only their database of passport photos (to see if you still look like your old passport photo, or if you've got another passport in a different name perhaps), but also against other databases of photos; photos of terrorists, or suspected terrorists, or maybe even photos of people we just don't like. Who knows who they'll compare your photo to right now; they haven't decided yet.
So, how do we feel about this one? Strangely enough, it doesn't really bother me. Of course, I've had my whole hand scanned into the INS' QuickPass database and that didn't bother me either because it meant that I could bypass the lines at US Customs & Immigration at the airport whenever I was flying into the States. That means that my prints are on file with the US government. Yes, I know what that means. Perhaps I'm naive, but I've always felt that if you're not doing anything wrong then you've got nothing serious to fear.
However, I do recognize the dangers that come with the new laws that were enacted after September 11 in the States and I am aware that the US government can now hold people (citizens of the US included) for an indeterminate length of time without charge, bail or attorney present on the suspicion of terrorism. Scary? Definitely. Even if you're caucasian and born in Canada. Luckily I don't have to travel to the States as much as I used to anymore.
So, am I at all worried about Canada's passport office scanning my photos into their database? Still not really. This may slow down processing time and it may increase the price of our passports, but I think the biggest reason it doesn't frighten me is that they're telling us about it.
When the time comes for them to implement the system, they will have decided which databases of photos they will be comparing the applicant photos against and they will tell us that too. If you'd like to opt out of this, you don't have to apply for a passport. If you're seriously against this, then you can protest it. However, at least we live in a country whose government tells its citizens when it is doing stuff like this. I think it would be more frightening if we didn't know about it and you only found out when your passport application was rejected on the basis that you look like someone else who already has a passport. Or worse, when they arrested you.
Ciao ciao peoples,
2 comments:
This is bullshit. When I see a title that starts, "Big Brother..." I expect to read about the goings on of those crazy kids in the Big Brother House, not the government trying to steal my soul.
In case anyone is interested, the Season 6 alliance is going strong but Danielle is lurking. Dr. Will and Jase are on the block this week. My guess is Jase is a goner.
Well it doesn't bother me much, but it does bother me a little.
If they want my photo in their data base, that's fine by me, it might make their photo album more interesting.
What bothers me is people's trust and total reliance on technology. What if you're the unlucky person whose facial characteristics match that of a fugitive terrorist suspect?
Hey, I was born in Iraq, I'm sure I have cheek bones and nose curve to qualify me for such a miss-match.
Do think the immigration officer will let me go even if the photo on his/her screen doesn’t resemble me at all, but the system still says it’s a match?
But come to think about it, if it will really help prevent terrorists and criminals from doing what they do. Then so be it.
A little inconvenience till things can be sorted out is not big price to pay.
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