Threat of terrorism mandates law-abiding Texans provide full fingerprints for driver licenses

Ms. Yvonne Larsen posted an editorial titled “Threat ofterrorism mandates law-abiding Texans provide full fingerprints for driverlicenses” in the Big Jolly Politics blog, on June 19^th, 2014.  The blog was based on an article posted by The Dallas News Watchdog, regarding a new law that requires people to provide a full set of fingerprints to renew or get a driver’s license.   

The author believes that the new law is surrendering our personal information and should not be allowed. Her intended audience are all Texans that have a driver’s license, or are going to receive a driver’s license.   She wants to spread the word that we are giving away personal information by allowing the DMV to record your fingerprints even if you haven’t been arrested.  I disagree with this statement.  By allowing the DMV to record fingerprints, they are actually protecting you from fraud.  Many occupations such as law enforcement, military, and medical care, already require fingerprints and they don’t have any problems. I also believe that your fingerprint isn't “personal information.” Yes your fingerprint is unique to you, but it can only be used as identification purposes unlike your address or social security number; which nobody hesitates to give out when getting their driver’s license.  

The author also mentions that “the surrender of your personal information is not limited to fingerprints.”  Since 2010, “Texas has been using facial recognition software to match driver’s license photos with government databases looking for persons wanted by law enforcement for various reasons.”  I partially agree with her above statement.  I understand the reason why some people would feel uncomfortable with this because your picture is “personal information”, but I don’t have a problem with it.  The government uses this facial recognition software to minimize the abuse of Texas driver’s licenses by criminals and terrorists.  If using facial recognition software has caught criminals in the past, then it should be used when necessary.

 

The author makes the statement that credit card companies don’t need fingerprints, so the DMV doesn't either.  This is a valid point, but the technology is now being tested. The article, Forget Credit Cards-Swipe Your Finger Instead, from The Fiscal Times, talks about using fingerprints to buy goods, instead of swiping a credit card.  This will make the process more secure and stop criminals from stealing your money. 

The author is very enthusiastic about her opinions on this issue, but I don’t believe that she provides enough proof the back up her arguments.  Fingerprints required for new driver’s licenses will only provide you with more protection from criminals.