FC: Biometric security firm endorses N.J. bill regulating industry

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

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From: "Richard M. Smith" <rms () computerbytesman com>
To: <declan () well com>
Subject: Identix Issues Statement in Support of Proposed New Jersey 
Biometric Legislation
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 11:30:06 -0400

FYI:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020730/latu079_1.html

Tuesday July 30, 9:30 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Identix Incorporated

Media Advisory: Identix Issues Statement in Support of Proposed New
Jersey Biometric Legislation

JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Identix
Incorporated (Nasdaq: IDNX - News), the world's leading multi-biometric
security technology company, issued a statement today in response to
proposed biometric privacy legislation introduced by State Assemblywoman
Joan Quigley. The bill, entitled "Biometric Identifier Privacy Act"
(A-2448), was introduced to the NJ Assembly Homeland Security and State
Preparedness Committee, and has yet to go through the standard
legislative process before it becomes law.

Dr. Joseph J. Atick, Identix President and CEO stated, "These are
precisely the types of provisions that Identix and the industry have
long supported. As industry leaders, we are strongly encouraged by the
introduction of this piece of legislation and the impact it will have on
the adoption of biometrics. While government agencies, banks and
healthcare institutions adopt biometrics to comply with mandates and
otherwise safeguard sensitive information and facilities, the day-to-day
users and consumers should be rest assured that the proper policies are
in place to prevent misuse or transfer of data without an individual's
consent."

In a similar statement issued yesterday by the Assembly Democrats Office
in Trenton, New Jersey, Assemblywoman Quigley said, "In the wake of the
terrorist attacks, biometrics technology provides a means of tightening
security. However, developing guidelines for safeguarding this
confidential consumer information is of equal importance."

If enacted into law, the Biometric Identifier Privacy Act would prohibit
a person or government agency that possesses biometric data to sell,
lease, transfer or disclose the information unless the following
criteria have been met:

The individual to whom the biometric data belongs consents to the sale
or transfer;
The sale or transfer completes a financial transaction requested or
authorized by the individual;
The sale or transfer is required or permitted by federal or state law;
The sale or transfer is made for law enforcement purposes.
In addition, the bill requires the entity storing the biometric
information to protect that data in a manner similar to other
confidential information and provides for civil penalties for each
violation.

The entire text of the bill can be accessed at
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2002/Bills/A2500/2448_I1.PDF

The legislation incorporates many of the concepts previously set forth
by the International Biometrics Industry Association (IBIA), of which
Identix is a co-founder. IBIA principles and more about the responsible
use of biometric technologies can be found at
http://www.identix.com/newsroom/news_privacy.html




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