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Politech is the oldest Internet resource devoted to politics and technology. Launched in 1994 by Declan McCullagh, the mailing list has chronicled the growing intersection of culture, technology, politics, and law. Since 2000, so has the Politech web site.
--- From: "Richard M. Smith" <rms@computerbytesman.com> To: <declan@well.com> Subject: Identix Issues Statement in Support of Proposed New Jersey Biometric Legislation Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 11:30:06 -0400 FYI: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020730/latu079_1.html Tuesday July 30, 9:30 am Eastern Time Press Release SOURCE: Identix Incorporated Media Advisory: Identix Issues Statement in Support of Proposed New Jersey Biometric Legislation JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq: IDNX - News), the world's leading multi-biometric security technology company, issued a statement today in response to proposed biometric privacy legislation introduced by State Assemblywoman Joan Quigley. The bill, entitled "Biometric Identifier Privacy Act" (A-2448), was introduced to the NJ Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee, and has yet to go through the standard legislative process before it becomes law. Dr. Joseph J. Atick, Identix President and CEO stated, "These are precisely the types of provisions that Identix and the industry have long supported. As industry leaders, we are strongly encouraged by the introduction of this piece of legislation and the impact it will have on the adoption of biometrics. While government agencies, banks and healthcare institutions adopt biometrics to comply with mandates and otherwise safeguard sensitive information and facilities, the day-to-day users and consumers should be rest assured that the proper policies are in place to prevent misuse or transfer of data without an individual's consent." In a similar statement issued yesterday by the Assembly Democrats Office in Trenton, New Jersey, Assemblywoman Quigley said, "In the wake of the terrorist attacks, biometrics technology provides a means of tightening security. However, developing guidelines for safeguarding this confidential consumer information is of equal importance." If enacted into law, the Biometric Identifier Privacy Act would prohibit a person or government agency that possesses biometric data to sell, lease, transfer or disclose the information unless the following criteria have been met: The individual to whom the biometric data belongs consents to the sale or transfer; The sale or transfer completes a financial transaction requested or authorized by the individual; The sale or transfer is required or permitted by federal or state law; The sale or transfer is made for law enforcement purposes. In addition, the bill requires the entity storing the biometric information to protect that data in a manner similar to other confidential information and provides for civil penalties for each violation. The entire text of the bill can be accessed at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2002/Bills/A2500/2448_I1.PDF The legislation incorporates many of the concepts previously set forth by the International Biometrics Industry Association (IBIA), of which Identix is a co-founder. IBIA principles and more about the responsible use of biometric technologies can be found at http://www.identix.com/newsroom/news_privacy.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITECH -- Declan McCullagh's politics and technology mailing list You may redistribute this message freely if you include this notice. To subscribe to Politech: http://www.politechbot.com/info/subscribe.html This message is archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ Declan McCullagh's photographs are at http://www.mccullagh.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Like Politech? Make a donation here: http://www.politechbot.com/donate/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------