Biometrics in Schools

Biometrics was initially only used in high security organizations and sometimes in movies. It seemed to be something that was exotic, expensive, and out of reach. However, there are some who are currently encouraging its use in schools to keep children safe and regulate children’s activity at a higher rate.

It is typically used to address truancy, to replace library cards, or to charge for school lunches and other meals. It uses electronic fingerprinting, and for obvious reasons, it has raised concerns about privacy among parents, which is part of why it is not in every school across America or for that matter the world.

Largely Used in the UK

Many schools in the UK use it, and it has been largely used for libraries and it has been used to deposit money into school lunch accounts. Young students don’t have to remember codes or carry cards. All they have to do is have their hand, which obviously just about every child has. Currently, it is spreading to other European nations like France, Italy, and Belgium.

When Can Biometrics Be Used

Right now, biometrics have been used in children as young as 3 years old.

Security Concerns

Even though its use is spreading, especially in European and Asian countries such as Hong Kong and China, there are serious security concerns, especially if there is a hacker into a school’s less advanced security systems. There is even one expert who has stated, “it is absolutely premature to begin using ‘conventional biometrics’ in schools.” However, so far many schools are ignoring those concerns even from IT experts.