Biometric Data in Schools

Schools continually face new concerns regarding the privacy of students. In the wake of surveillance scandals, many parents worry about the confidentiality of their children’s information. In response, states are quickly implementing measures that restrict the use of biometric data.

Biometric Data Collection in Schools
Schools regularly collect biometric data (such as fingerprints or palm prints) from their students. This information is used for security purposes but also to assist with attendance, bus schedules, library books, and school lunch lines.

The collection of biometric data is currently banned at several school districts in California and Colorado. Florida also recently outlawed schools’ collection of biometric data when used for purposes such as checking attendance.

Are Parents’ Privacy Concerns Legitimate?
Parents are right to take concern regarding the privacy of their children. However, extreme fears about biometric data may be unwarranted.

To begin with, the data is collected for entirely practice purposes that aid in day-to-day school operations. For example, using a finger print rather than a card is more efficient for checking out a library book.

Also, a number of protections are already in place to ensure that biometric data is not abused. For example, the Date Protection Act of 1998 offers guidelines for treating biometric data appropriately. The Protections of Freedom Act of 2012 also provides further guidelines for using a biometric recognition system. Finally, prior to using studentss biometric data, the school must notify all parents.