Biometric IDs Check on Scots Schoolchildren as Young as Four

Biometric IDs Check on Scots Schoolchildren as Young as Four

December 28, 2010

Express - DOZENS of Scottish schools have introduced “intrusive” biometric systems, such as fingerprinting, to identify pupils as young as four.

New figures show 68 schools are now using technology to manage meals, control library books and even allow access to toilets.

Almost two-thirds are primaries, where fingerprinting and palm recognition can be used to identify young children. And another 10 schools in Midlothian have the
capability for biometric ID but are not yet using it.

Yesterday, critics said the extent which the technology was being used in Scotland’s schools was “worrying”.

Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Robert Brown, who uncovered the figures through Freedom of Information legislation, said:

“If the vast majority of Scotland’s schools can let children move round the premises and pay for their lunch without biometric identification, it is difficult to see why it is necessary for these 68 schools. Public bodies have shown in the past that they are not always to be trusted with sensitive personal data.

“Do we really want this sort of intrusive information taken from young children?”

Mr Brown said the use of technology in classrooms also risked ID cards being introduced through the “backdoor”. He added:

“The data seems to be used for trivial matters, such as access to libraries and paying for meals.”

Angus Council has the greatest number of schools using the technology, with biometric ID systems in use for cashless catering in four primary and eight secondary schools.

In one West Lothian secondary school there is a “hand pad system” in place for primary school pupils housed there temporarily to gain use of the toilets.

Records of fingerprints are not kept, but if palm recognition is used an image can be encrypted and stored. Michael Parker, of anti-identity card campaigners NO2ID, said:

“It is quite unreasonable to construct a system whereby children of a very young age are being regularly indoctrinated into the idea that they must constantly prove who they are.

“What studies have demonstrated that these extravagant and, no doubt, very expensive schemes are any better than paper and card records?”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said the percentage of schools using biometrics was “tiny” – less than three per cent. He added:

“The decision on whether or not to use biometric identification in schools is ultimately one for education authorities, but decisions must reflect Scottish Government guidance. It is clear that schools should be very cautious about such an approach.

“Our guidance recommends that any local authority or school seeking to introduce them should consult parents at the relevant school, seek consent and allow opt-outs.”