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Finger Scanning At Disney Parks Causes Concern

POSTED: 5:12 pm EDT July 14, 2005
UPDATED: 10:47 am EDT July 15, 2005

The addition of finger scanning technology at the entrances of Walt Disney World theme parks for all visitors has caused concern among privacy advocates, according to a Local 6 News report.

  • I think it's a step in the wrong direction," Civil Liberties Union spokesman George Crossley said. "I think it is a step toward collection personal information on people regardless of what Disney says.

    Tourists visiting Disney theme parks in Central Florida must now provide their index and middle fingers to be scanned before entering the front gates.


    IMAGES Fingers Scanned At Disney
    VIDEO: See The Story

    The scans were formerly for season pass holders but now everyone must provide their fingers, Local 6 News reported. They have reportedly been phased in for all ticket holders during the past six months, according to a report.

    Disney officials said the scans help keep track of who is using legitimate tickets, Local 6 News reported.

    "It is technology reminiscent of "Mission Impossible" or "James Bond," Local 6 News reporter Jessica Sanchez said. "It works by scanning the ridges and structure of your index finger and middle finger called your finger geometry."

      SURVEY
    Visitors to Walt Disney World in Florida must get their fingers scanned before entering the theme parks. Do you think the practice is a good idea or does it border on a violation of privacy?

    Disney officials said the finger scans do not take an actual fingerprint. The scan recognizes certain points and outlines visitor's fingers, officials said.

    Critics of the new scanning technology do not agree with Disney and said the scans border on a violation of privacy.

    I think it's a step in the wrong direction," Civil Liberties Union spokesman George Crossley said. "I think it is a step toward collection of personal information on people regardless of what Disney says."

    Crossley said they will be looking into the scans.

    "The collecting of this fingertip information and how it is to be used and what the source of that information is as it relates to what it will show -- I don't like it and we will look into it," Crossley said.

    The finger scanning began earlier this year at some parks before expanding to the entire complex, according to a report.

    Universal Orlando and SeaWorld also plan to implement similar technology in the future, Local 6 News reported.

    Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

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