Concerns surround turning biometric data to Iraq
24 August, 2009
category: Biometrics, Government
U.S. armed forces have been using biometrics in Iraq and Afghanistan for years to identify possible insurgents and make sure only those with access are allowed into bases. But as the U.S. turns more responsibility over to Iraqi forces there are concerns over what will happen to that data, according to a DefenseNews.com report.
Jim Harper, director of information policy studies at the Cato Institute, says there is a history of these ID systems being used in bad ways. ID cards in Rwanda which included photos and tribal affiliation, were used to target rival tribesman.
The DOD is taking steps to protect the data and make sure that only authorized individuals have access to it.
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