In today’s workplace fingerprint systems are common place with fingerprint scanners on computers all the way through to the vending machine. Some people ask if the fingerprint information can be used or shared with other companies or government agencies. The information that is stored is an algorithmic code that has been generated from the information obtained from the fingerprint. Although most fingerprint scanners that are used are optical they do not store an image of the fingerprint. Companies can store the algorithmic value but not an image. This value would be the same as if they stored a card number or a name and this would have to comply with the data protection act.

Using fingerprint technology is now a reliable and secure form of verifying peoples identity. Now that it is found in our every day life we need not be frightened by big brother watching us as the information is no difference than that already held by most organizations that we don't even know about.

Most people only have an aversion to giving their fingerprint information if the fingerprint is being used to track them . This is usually the case within companies for access control or time and attendance. If the fingerprint was to be used to say operate a free vending machine they would jump at the chance to give there fingerprint, if on the other hand fingerprint information is put into place to help monitor and verify people there is always going to be some outcry of invading civil liberties but what these people do not understand is that the systems are there for their benefit, if it was access control it could be for fire evacuation purposes therefore for individuals safety. Time and attendance making sure the individual gets paid the correct amount of money which of course can benefit the employee and the employer. The technology is here to stay now and we need to understand that it is here to help us to fight fraud not to just monitor or watch are every move.

If your company or even your local gym require you to give a fingerprint verification feel safe in the knowledge that the information you are giving is only a series of numbers and not a copy of your fingerprint.