[Greens-Media] School fingerprint scanning: NSW privacy watchdog should investigate

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release 4 April 2008

School fingerprint scanning: NSW privacy watchdog should investigate

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on Privacy NSW to conduct a proper investigation into the use of fingerprinting systems in NSW schools and to report back to Premier Iemma on whether they are appropriate to introduce and if so, what safeguards should be in place to ensure privacy is properly protected.

"Biometric technology for school roll call may seem benign but its use may be a case of choosing a sledgehammer to crack a nut," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Privacy NSW should investigate whether the administrative benefits of fingerprint scanning systems in schools are sufficient to justify the possible risks to the privacy of young people, now and into the future.

"Premier Iemma is abdicating proper responsibility for the privacy of students across NSW by leaving it to individual schools, parents and students to decide if they use these systems. 

"We are not talking about running a school canteen or holding a maths night. Biometrics is very new technology and privacy laws are extremely complex. 

"There are significant issues surrounding fingerprinting scanning systems such as parental and student consent, how data is collected, stored and quarantined against use for other purposes now and in the future.

"Fingerprinting systems in schools also represent the thin edge of the wedge. 

"Once we allow biometrics through the door, what other identification schemes or student testing will P&Cs or school principals be free to introduce?

"The state's privacy watchdog, Privacy NSW, has been keeping its head down low for years. 

"Now is the time for NSW Privacy Commissioner to engage in important public debate around issues such as these," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568 


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au 

Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au