I am a big believer in individual privacy, regarldless of "good intentions".

However, I feel that we are headed down an inevitable path. Soon I believe quite a bit of our daily lives are going to require a fingerprint or some other biometric ID. Soon, all credit cards will use them, probably similar stuff for ailine check ins, etc. I'd imagine that at some point, a biometric id will be added to one's credit file and thus will be included in just about everything anyone does.
Fraud is starting to effect quite a few industries including credit and insurance. To keep these things affordable, what else can they do?

I'm quite concerned about identity theft believe that it is FAR too easy of a crime to commit. We have to do something, but like you, I am nauseated at the idea of registering my fingerprint to conduct simple transactions.

IDEA-Credit Card company's should do more to verify a persons ID before issuing cards. Merchants should CHECK THE SIGNATURE at the time of transaction. This should be enough to show a merchant that you are who you say you are. The credit card should establish your "credit". THat's what it's for. However, they way they freely hand them out without verifying identity has led to problems.

(edited for stupid mistakes)

[This message has been edited by pointman (edited 12-17-2001).]