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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 28, 2024 12:31 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jill N. Cooper |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting School Entities from Purchasing or Utilizing Biometric Technology |
| I plan to introduce legislation that would prohibit school entities in Pennsylvania from purchasing or utilizing biometric identifying technology for any purpose, including school security. The bill defines “biometric technology” as “a tool using an automated or semi-automated process that assists in verifying an individual’s identity based on an individual’s biometric information". “Biometric information” is an electronic measurement or evaluation of any physical or behavioral characteristic that can be used for automated recognition of an individual, such as facial geometry, fingerprints, handprints, retina and iris patterns, DNA sequencing, voice and gait. In recent years, a growing number of schools nationwide have explored using biometric tools like facial recognition software and fingerprint scanners to automate everything from attendance to campus surveillance in the name of efficiency and safety. While well-intentioned, the advance of these technologies in educational settings raises privacy concerns. Biometric data is highly sensitive personally identifiable information. Unlike a password or ID number, physical traits like fingerprints or facial geometry cannot be changed if a security breach occurs. Collecting and storing this data on students creates major liability issues for schools and could expose youth to lifelong privacy vulnerabilities if biometric databases are ever compromised by bad actors. Additionally, significant questions remain about the accuracy of biometric identification algorithms. Putting systems in place to make significant decisions or limit building access based on error-prone technology jeopardizes student safety. Inaccurate biometric matching could lead to traumatic false disciplinary actions or prevent students from entering their own schools. Just as importantly, biometric tracking threatens to erode the trust and openness fundamental to positive learning environments. Students cannot feel fully safe to grow and develop in schools if they feel surveilled at every moment. I strongly encourage all members to support this legislation to prohibit biometric identifying technology in Pennsylvania schools. |