Evan Camilleri, Fgura
Biometric ID cards
The government is planning to introduce biometric identity cards and there seems to have been no discussion about the issue.
Are people prepared to have a biometric identity card? Do people really know what it is? Will Big Brother watch every step we take? How secure are our personal data?
What kind of biometric data will the card contain? Is this information really necessary, or are we exaggerating just to be one of the first in the world to be 'technology advanced' but compromising our identity security in the process? This kind of ID card will dramatically reduce security and privacy and increase the risk of identity theft. Citizens in certain countries are still debating whether to introduce an ID card, let alone a biometric version.
May I opt not to have one, without being discriminated against? People need more information.
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Paul Gafa
Jul 28th 2008, 10:05
Its funny we compare biometric cards to credit cards as we all know that credit cards are not secure. My bank just sent me some information that if the future they will have a pin number or something to increase security.
I do hope that when biometric cards will be introduced a second level of authentication will also be needed (via token, flashID, finger print whatever).
I agree with Evan that a person can opt out and live his life without being discriminated but on the other hand biocards can improve efficiency.
Evan Camilleri
Jul 28th 2008, 10:01
As you can see, in my letter, there are lots of questions! Someone said maybe there is this and that. The problem is that all we heard is 'biometric-cards' as in 'wow-we-are-really-IT-advanced' rather than it will have this and that!
I am not saying yes or no! I am saying the government must tell us what will it exactly contain and what is the necessity of it being in there - then we have a discussion on the issue. Anything not necessary then I think should be dismissed.
J. Martinelli
Jul 27th 2008, 21:21
@ Malcolm Tortell
You seem oblivious to the capabilities of modern technology.
First of all, let us assume that the E ID card contains the (1) Image of holder, (2) Personal info like address, DOB etc. (3) medical records (4) Drivers' license, (5) bank accounts and possibly, (6) Police Record.
When I mentioned 'authorized reader' I meant, for example, at borders their reader would only be able to raise, 1,2 and 6
At a bank, their reader would only be able to see 1, 2 and 5.
At hospital their reader would see 1,2 and 3
At car rental company (e.g. at major airports), only 1,2 and 4 would be visible..
This is simple technology and has been available for years.
Years ago, we lined up for hours to get cash, at govt. offices for birth certificates, etc., hospitals had no means to verify meds etc. unless by contacting a patient's GP (if available)- and we called those 'the good old days'
Now we have the means of much greater conveniences and we complain of authorities 'shoving these conveniences, down our throats'!
Maybe they have to.
A . Muscat
Jul 27th 2008, 20:33
Under the pretext of security and protecting national interests all is fair. Within maximum two decades, if not less, both the EU and USA would follow same type of measures used by Zimbabwe.
The change is talking paces fast, indeed much faster than we imagine. Could it be, time has become to learn from others and stop using slogans such as, Human rights, dictatorship, and freedom?
Aldo Gatt
Jul 27th 2008, 18:10
@ Mark Mealclaff.
The reason behind the British paranoia with ID cards of any kind is partly an innate conservative nature. I mean, where else have people not got used to a metric system introduced decades ago? This is not to say that the Maltese ought not to discuss the matter, but they should not let themselves be led by emotional prejudice. Remember, the Maltese have happily used ID cards for years with no major issues of the sort cropping up. So have other major European countries.
malcolm tortell
Jul 27th 2008, 17:28
@ J Martinelli
Access to medical records is hardly a reason for introducing E-ID cards. Also your argument regarding bank cards is flawed...the two issues are not related, unless in your opinion the fact that they are both cards enough to make a comparison.
Its exactly the "authorised" readers that are the problem. Who do you think is going to authorise access if not the very same people who issue the cards in the first place? The point is giving up freedom in the name of so called security.
J Martinelli
Jul 27th 2008, 15:03
Evan, do you remember not so many years ago, when bank cards (debit cards) were introduced, how many refused them and how many feared that their introduction meant the loss of teller jobs and possibly closing of branches?
Do the same people feel the same today, or are they the most frequent users of debit cards? The convenience of ABMs, not having to line up in order to withdraw some cash was eventually utilized by the majority.
The E ID cards will contain vital information and may include the owner's image, vital statistics, DOB, address etc., medical information and maybe even bank account numbers.
Special security features will be embedded in the cards and only authorized 'readers' will be able to decipher the information.
You may be uneasy about all this, but let me pose a hypothetical question to you. If you are traveling anywhere in Europe and a medical emergency unexpectedly occurs, would you not prefer that your medical history be immediately obtained by the swiping of your ID card? What if you were allergic to a particular medicine and you were unable to communicate, would you not be thankful that such harmful medication not be given to you?
L Galea
Jul 27th 2008, 14:22
And the EU used to talk about the Soviet Union?
In the EU is even worse since they want to know all the details about you which can be accessed by anyone with a card reader.
Biometric ID cards = no more money in banks.
Get it Government and EU?
Mark Mealclaff
Jul 27th 2008, 12:11
I'm also surprised that there has been no objections to the New E ID cards.
Here in England people are opposed to any ID cards.
Has any one considered the consequence to the Malta Banks.
These ID cards could mean the colapse of many Banks.
I believe that the new E ID cards will have the holders bank account details on them.
I'm sure many people will not want to tell all of their bank details...So therefore many will
then withdraw all their money from the banks in Cash.
This can easily bankrupt a bank as most banks dont have that much cash available.
This is what happened recently in UK with the colaple of the Northern Rock Bank.
You wanted EU...so now you got it.
M.Mealclaff
E. Micallef
Jul 27th 2008, 10:23
Yes, Evan Camilleri, I agree. Another question: If this biometric ID is forced on us, will we be able to access our own data, or will this very private data only be available to civil servants? And what guarantees will we have that others cannot manipulate this data?