Fingerprint Scandal Of 700,000 Kids

EXCLUSIVE Schools storing data triggers fears
By Bob Roberts, Deputy Political Editor

FURY erupted yesterday after it emerged an estimated 700,000 children are being fingerprinted at school.

Systems in 3,500 primary school libraries allow pupils to take out books by scanning their thumb prints instead of using a card.

But campaigners warn the technology is a massive invasion of privacy and a step towards a "database state".

With an average primary school size of 200 pupils, pressure group No2ID says at least 700,000 pupils are regularly having their fingerprints scanned.

And there are fears schools having children's fingerprints could lead to the information being stored on government computers with DNA records and personal details.

It is also seen as "softening up" resistance before people are asked for biometric data such as eye-scans to put on compulsory identity cards.

Phil Booth of No2ID said: "Are we sending our kids to school or to prison? We wouldn't accept fingerprinting for adults without informed consent so it is utterly outrageous that children as young as five are being targeted."

But Andy O'Brien, managing director of Micro Librarian Systems which makes the fingerprint systems, insisted there was nothing sinister about the new scanning technology.

He said: "Ultimately, this is completely optional.

"If parents object because they don't like the use of biometrics their children can still use a library card or pin number.

"But this can make libraries a really cool place to go for children.

"We have never had a single parent object to it, the children love it and it solves the problem of lost library cards."

Other schools are increasingly using fingerprints to allow pupils access to premises or even to get into canteens.