Disturbing or not?

Question

There is no way I'd be able to fit the question into the question line...

Anyway, a chain of grocery stores in my area are now accepting "fingerprint payments." What this means is they have your debit account in their computer system and you simply slide your finger over a print recognition device to pay. The device can also be used in place of scanning your member card.

Now I'm not saying this is the end of the world or anything like that, but do find it rather disturbing for the following reasons. Why would anyone in their right mind let a private company keep their fingerprint on record? Furthermore, why would anyone let a company who is able to keep track of their purchasing habits (amount of alcohol they buy, amount they spend on groceries, etc.) hold not only their fingerprint, but bank account info too? What if the company's database were infiltrated?

What is your reaction to this and similar technologies?

Answer 1

I think too much personal information is being made available to too many people. People steal laptops and tons of people's info is now out in the world. It's almost as if we make it easier for identity theft to occur. The databases should be secured so information is not disclosed that is not supposed to be.

Answer 2

I think fingerprinting is too extreme for purchasing groceries. It is getting out of hand, in the mundane personal life of citizens. If it were boarding an airline, or entering into federal courts, etc. that would be different. But groceries?

Answer 3

I too find it appalling! I hate that the grocery store tracks my purchases with that stupid little card that also makes my keyring messy!I would never give a grocery store that kind of access to my account!

Answer 4

This is just what our world is coming to. The govt. will have total control over anything they possibly can. This is the beginning of the end. Soon, it won't be a finger print, they'll have a laser to run across your pupil to identify us...Just enjoy life while you can, it's much to short to concern ourselves with things out of our control.