The only reason why, in my opinion, we are currently even made to be obscurely aware of our biometrics being gathered and sometimes given the extremely elusive option to even opt out, isn’t because of legality. We already know how much of our data has been taken from us illegally and unethically. It is because in order to capture us accurately in that moment they need us to pause to scan our iris, palm, or face intentionally. So they need us to do something for them.
They make it seem desirable by saying things like “This is frictionless for your experience.” No, this is for them to have less friction in the taking of our biometrics. Do not be mistaken, this is not for us.
Because if they could gather up biometric data accurately without our knowledge, they would, they could, they have, and they will.
And though inaccurate identification at borders, security, and boarding flights is a risk to all, it’s patricianly a risk for governments, states, and authorities.
They’re already using biometric data and tech with all of its inaccuracies when it’s higher risk to us and lower risk to them. For example, biometric tech used to criminalize people has made so many racist false identifications.
Biometric tech gathering happens everywhere already without our knowledge and without our consent. Because in those instances, they’re using it for criminalization, not safety. Not OUR safety.
The system values its own safety over the people’s safety. And the system’s safety is built on criminalizing its people.
Biometrics being used to criminalize and punish is yet another reason why we need abolition.
Our biometrics and creations have already been gathered. That does not make it okay, and it must stop. At this current juncture, it’s not about our images, voices, and likeness not being out there. They are most definitely out there. This is about our data privacy, and how the system values criminalizing us over our safety. It is about the fact that we should be asked for our consent every single time.
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