Fingerprint scanning at elementary school for lunch. Not informed or given a chance to opt out.

a reply to: Metallicus

Well, in my mind it is probably simply a matter of convenience. It's easier than the OLD way, and parents will probably be OK with it (kid's not losing id cards, lunch money etc.) So let's just do it and deal with those odd ball parents who don't think it's OK, later.

I would like to know who suggested it, and who suggested it to that person and all the way down the list...could be interesting to see where that leads. Also reminds me that I want to see what company makes the scanners. In the article I found, they only had a quote from this guy:

Travis Smith, a security researcher at Tripwire, a Portland-based security company, says the technology is very safe. "It would be very difficult to reuse this if not impossible," said Smith. He says using biometric data as a security tool is safer than a pin or password and exposing kids to this type of security may be better in the long run. "Going forward, being a digital citizen and trying to secure yourself online, figuring out a way to move beyond passwords is ideal," Smith said.

So once again, convenience is the driving force behind this technology. Though we are not the only ones benefiting from this 'free' service to be sure.

a reply to: seeker11

I would request an alternative method to confirm identity, and also request any and all biometric data obtained be completely erased. I would also request to be witness to these processes, and if that isn't possible request data that confirms their deletion.

That isn't right, no child should be subject to fingerprint identification. Especially in such a subtle manner that really wouldn't even make the child aware something was wrong.

a reply to: apoc36
That would have to do with the milk carton, missing kids, thing.
Pre-DNA id, fingerprints would be helpful.

a reply to: seeker11
schools usually can only act in certain matters without parental consent in the case of an emergency.

You never gave permission, the child is a minor, ask for the data back, threaten law suit and commensurate damages!!!!

a reply to: TheConstruKctionofLight

What damages?

a reply to: seeker11
schools usually can only act in certain matters without parental consent in the case of an emergency.

You never gave permission, the child is a minor, ask for the data back, threaten law suit and commensurate damages!!!!

a reply to: TheConstruKctionofLight
What damages?

a reply to: Phage
oh thats right, its the States you have no Privacy Laws, silly me

a reply to: TheConstruKctionofLight
What damages?

In Oz courts you get damages without demonstrating them?

Or is there a different legal definition there?

a reply to: seeker11

That should spread the sniffles and cruds around nicely. Maybe they can use the hormone destroying antibacterial soap before they eat. Make sure they use the booger digging finger for the fingerprint

When signing up for the free lunch program, you probably agreed to all the T&C of the program.

Imo nothing's free. Applicants for government programs exchange personal information for services. Giving up some privacy is the cost for signing up.

Not saying that's the right way to go about it but it's the nature of the beast. I provided contracted services for medicaid clients, their participation required giving up a lot of personal information but that's mainly because of all the damn fraud that goes on with government programs.

It comes from both sides too, providers and clients have to be watched. I know it may seem like a lot of trouble for lunch but look at the numbers.

In FY 2011, federal spending totaled $10.1 billion for the National School Lunch Program.

Don't take it personal but keep a close eye/voice your concerns or forego the program altogether. It's a sensitive subject but taxpayers demand oversight for good reason and sometimes rule makers don't get it right or even close.

You're a taxpayer, you have the right to complain. Who knows maybe they'll change their ways if enough of you join in but I doubt you'll have much luck with a law suit. Good luck either way.

a reply to: seeker11

my daughter started preschool this year and they already informed us that in kindergarten that will be the deal.
scans.
i have a year to decide how i feel about it.

hardest thing to believe is none of your packets or orientations covered this

This has been happening in the UK for a few years now. I was given the choice of my daughter opting out though which she did and started taking packed lunches. Then they started rifling through kids packed lunches to see if they were suitable and making the packed lunch kids wait until almost the end of the lunch time queues before letting them sit down. Got to the point where my daughter had to comply as she was missing her lunch....the object of the game clearly

When I kicked up a fuss I was told it was to prevent children having to bring money to school and avoid kids who hadn't paid getting free lunches. God forbid a hungry child should eat!

I cannot even comprehend this level of intrusiveness. Why is it so hard for a kid in K to remember a 3 or 4 digit number for their ID? When I was 5 years old, I knew my phone number and address and I think the ABC song!!! lol

We had to do this in school. Back in.... 2008? I was only 16 at the time. Didn't think anything of it.

I just thought it was cool that I could pay for my lunch with my thumb

originally posted by: TheConstruKctionofLight
a reply to: seeker11
schools usually can only act in certain matters without parental consent in the case of an emergency.

You never gave permission, the child is a minor, ask for the data back, threaten law suit and commensurate damages!!!!

Threads like this always make me laugh. The amount of "get a lawyer!" and "sue em and get that monies!1!" type of comments rise almost to sovereign citizen levels. Always so much "leave me alone dammit" talk on ats, followed closely by "get a lawyer because lawyers fix everything!"

OP - talk to a lawyer, but for god's sake don't pay him or her a dime just to consult with you. And sure as hell don't expect some payout from this. Best case scenario you get them to stop the program for this year and they apologize for not communicating it better.

But I think your best bet is to keep a close eye on this, if they roll it back and there's any kind of public forum, go to it and make your feelings heard. But for the love of Velcro shoes and recess, don't spend money on a lawyer unless you consider an apology to be worth spending money to get.

Can't hide from the future forever. Just like everyone wigged out about debit cards when they started to come out.....

My previous job (5years ago) we had to use a finger print scanner to clock in and out. They had cards at one point but people kept clocking in their buddies when they were not at work. Eventually they switched to finger print scanner. It actually scans all your fingers not just thumb.

a reply to: seeker11

Schools already use your SSN for things like school id numbers (my high school id number was my SSN) and this was back in 1999.

They started that at our elementary school a few years ago, I opted out back then, now they don't even ask! They make every student use it, because it's faster for the kids to get their lunches, & they can tell who gets free or reduced lunches. To be honest, I don't like it either, especially not being asked!! But I figured, since my baby is in 7th now, I'll choose my battles, so I'm letting this one slide for now......

a reply to: Morningglory

That's the thing though, I didn't sign up for it, it was offered as a free service to all kids. No application required. I understand if I actually had to fill out an application and this was in the fine print then that's my problem for not performing due diligence.