Technology creates class discrimination
There have been numerous papers written on the subject that “internet access” is the latest class discrimination factor. A good example is the suggestion of “internet voting”. It makes it even easier for affluent, connected, city/urban people to participate in the voting process and handicaps those who do not have access to a computer with internet access. This disadvantages the elderly, rural citizens, and low income.
This past month I encountered another technology discrimination - biometrics. I recently replaced my parent’s computer. In the process, I wanted to simplify their experience *and* make it more secure. The computer cam with a simple fingerprint reader. I thought it would make it easier to add multiple layers of passwords - power on, hard disk, and log-in protection - and not make it overly difficult. Presumably, a single swipe of a finger and the system would step through the security. Also, I could enable the screen saver password and password on “sleep” and “hibernate”. I have enjoyed using a similar system for over a year. In my parent’s case, it turned out not to be such a good idea.
When my parent’s finger ran across the integrated fingerprint reader, it would complain “too far to the left”, “too far to the right”, “rotated”, or “try again”. When we did manage three successful “reads” they would not converge and so the whole process started again. The process was very frustrating and even after many many attempts over a few days, we were never able to complete the process.
I can only assert there were two factors that undermined the fingerprint registration process so much so that it was unusable. (1) as we age, our hands are less steady; (2) if you work with your hands, you fingerprints smooth out and are more difficult to read electronically. Both of these conditions were evident with the second being the more significant contributor. When I looked at my fingers and then at my parent’s, my prints were very clear compared to their nearly paper smooth finish.
Perhaps the technology will get better or perhaps it will get replaced but for now, it disadvantages a significant population. This does not bode well for it’s use as a ubiquitous security measure.
