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Biometrics and Ethics Essay

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Computer technology brought upon many unexpected ethical issues. When discussing about ethics, we need to talk about the importance of computers and be able to answer questions like: what is the reason for addressing the impact of computers on ethics? In his article “What is computer ethics?” Dr. James Moor analyzed and elaborated the very question. Dr. Moor begins his article by defining computer ethics. In his words, “computer ethics is the analysis of the nature and social impact of computer technology and the corresponding formulation and justification of politics for the ethical use of such technology” (James Moor, 1985). Moor indicated that as computer technology became more entwined with people and their everyday activities, …show more content…

all of this with the intention that biometrics will prevent people accessing money which they are not entitled to use. This purpose serves well; however, it has its disadvantages. Once a person has already proved their identification, their fingerprints are stored in a database which can be used to check their whereabouts and other personal information. What makes this worst is that it can be done without any authorization; it is not important whether the data stored was for welfare registration or ATM access, the threat applies in both the cases. Fact remains that this data is being used beyond its primary purposes; a good example could be using biometric data to find out about someone’s medical history. In the early days of the use of biometrics, it was known that much work needs to be done in order to eradicate this unnerving problem that is discouraging the use of technology that is otherwise extremely beneficial. (CSSS policy brief, 2003)

Biometrics has the capability to compromise privacy in the most adequate manner, which is hidden in the value it provides. For example, some biometric identification methods are relatively intrusive (retina scan) while gathering of fingerprints leaves a negative image in the minds of many people in most part of the world as they associate it with criminal activities. The detailed gathering of biometric information by the police departments and

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