Refuse to give Disney your Finger-print?

[TheDisneyClan]

oh, I wouldn't wear it so people could see it. defeats the whole purpose don't ya know.

It's a special occasion thing, like x-files marathons and michael moore documentaries...and don't get me started on that wacky moon landing thing

But do be cautious! I would not waste time with a Michael Moore fairytale, but I hear he says those tin hats lead to an increased delivery of radiation to the brain. Just thought you may like to know in case you missed that part. Though I am not a fan of Mr. Moore, I did, upon hearing this, retire the tin hat.

 

[stalkingmickey]

First off, for all you posters who keep saying the OP hasn't explained why his family refuses the finger scan must have a hard time hearing an opinion that does not match yours. They are not comfortable with this process in the day and age of identity theft. This was apparent from the OP.

Second, I can't believe why this is so hard for everyone to understand why they are not comfortable with this process. I think at least one story a night is on the news about some major store, bank, government office that has had personal information lost, stolen...... I know I know it doesn't actually scan your fingerprint, but if Disney can use the measurement to identify the owner of the ticket it is possible that this could be a starting point for a person looking to steal identities.

In todays world there is more personal info out there and the ways to obtain this info is getting just as technical.

As a person who has spent years fixing there info due to identity theft can completely understand being careful. When you stop being careful and just go along in life thats when you become a victim....It is not fun trying to buy things and having to explain, write letters, make hundreds of calls when all you did was throw away bills. I actually have a shredder now and it actually shredds both ways. This makes it harder for the pieces to be out back together. That said I am now thinking through my options with the finger scan. I have not been to disney since 2004 and they were not doing this then. I go back in September and will need to decide what is best for me.

 

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

Once upon a time, our Social Security numbers were as personal and private as our fingerprints. Now you hear everyday about how someone's identity has been stolen. I have received letters from the US Govt. saying that my husband's social security # and other personal information "May" have been included in information that was stolen from Marine Corp files. (I also received another similar letter concerning my children's SSN)

While it may seem humorous to most people about why someone would refuse to give their fingerscan. How do you know that your name is not being logged with the scan (the info is on your KTTW card) and filed. Who is to say that information cannot be stolen? It seems humorous till you talk to someone who's identity has been stolen and their credit and life ruined and it takes them years and $$$ to get it all sorted out. It is very small minded to think that the technology isn't here or soon coming that someone won't be able to take your fingerprint and put it to some dastardly use.

Maybe because my husband is now a police officer and sees high tech theft all the time, I am more tuned in. To make someone feel like they are being silly or consipracy minded is just plain rude and ignorant. Just because it is not on the 6 o clock news tucked in between wal-Mart ads and the latest on Paris Hilton doesn't mean that it isn't taking place.

 

[MommaPooh217]

Lots of replies quick! LOL

My personal concern is just a really a personal preference.

Not paranoid at all, I just object to providing Disney with the same info that the FBI would ask for..LOL

From an article from the Medill School of Journalism Northwestern University

However, the use of this technology has riled privacy advocates, who believe Disney has not fully disclosed the purpose of its new system. There are no signs posted at the entrance detailing what information is being collected and how it is being used. Attendants at the entrance will explain the system, if asked.

“The lack of transparency has always been a problem,” said Lillie Coney, associate director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, who added that Disney's use of technology "fails a proportionality test" by requiring too much personal information for theme park access.

"What they're doing is taking a technology that was used to control access to high-level security venues and they're applying it to controlling access to a theme park," Coney said.

"It's impossible for them to convince me that all they are getting is the fact that that person is the ticket-holder," said George Crossley, president of the Central Florida ACLU.



There have been hundreds of articles written about this. And anytime you have Republicans, Democrats, Indy's, Conservative think tanks, Liberal think tanks, the Religous right, and the ACLU all saying that something is fishy, well then I just personally error on side of caution and will not participate.

Besides, we get through the turnstyles more quickly refusing than those folks who actually put their fingers in the scanners.

Was not trying to offend anyone. We just get a creepy feeling about the policy and wondered how other people felt. I know there are thousands upon thousands of other guests who refuse the scans, but even if it was just our family that refused, that would be okay also.

And what you don't think they have software that can scan your face and find out if you are wanted by the FBI ? You don't think Disney would be a prime target for all those lovely terrorists out there ? There are probably a lot of security measures Disney takes to keep people safe in their parks that you don't know about and probably would'nt like. This is 2007 , Homeland Security and all that good stuff. This is the price (unfortunately) that we pay now to go about our lives since 9/11. I don't mean to upset anyone or scare anyone or start a flame war but sadly this is the reality of the world now.JMHO



Blessed Be,
Tina

 

[stalkingmickey]

Maybe because my husband is now a police officer and sees high tech theft all the time, I am more tuned in. To make someone feel like they are being silly or consipracy minded is just plain rude and ignorant. Just because it is not on the 6 o clock news tucked in between wal-Mart ads and the latest on Paris Hilton doesn't mean that it isn't taking place.

Exactly. You must have been typing at the same time. It shouldn't take people who are married to government officials to understand the problem with identity theft in this day and age. It is all over the news. Like my previous post said at least one story a night. Does no one watch the news?

 

[TheDisneyClan]

Once upon a time, our Social Security numbers were as personal and private as our fingerprints.

Just because it is not on the 6 o clock news tucked in between wal-Mart ads and the latest on Paris Hilton doesn't mean that it isn't taking place.

Completely agree! And we still will not give out our SSNs unless there is a legit reason to do so. Seems like every telemarketer asks for it. They must be asking because there are folks who still give it.

But the story about Disney and FingerScans has been on the 6 o'clock news in most major cities. I still say anybody who is comfortable giving it, be my guest. But many are not comfortable and will not "go along just to get along."

We make the personal decision to error on the side of caution and make no apologies for that. And as I have stated, Disney makes it very easy to decline - The CM pushes a button and you walk right through.

 

[ColoradoKamp]

Quotation from Benjamin Franklin: "Those Who Would Sacrifice Liberty for Security Deserve Neither."

There's just about nothiing that Ben says that doesn't make sense to me.... I can't picture Ben scanning his fingerprint after he'd laid down all those Hamiltons to visit a mouse...... So, I don't think I will either.
God bless all of you who are willing to give DNA samples, etc., just to get in to a theme park to have fun..... Does anyone know what personal integrity is, anymore? Yep, WDW makes the rules, and if you go you oughta know, but, c'mon..... I believe I wouldn't go if they wouldn't let me opt out. That's my piece.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

I would like to offer a different view on why I am unwilling to give my fingerprints. I am an Australian citizen and to my knowledge have never had my fingerprints taken. I used to work at Parliament House (White House equivalent for the Americans) and they never took my print to get a security pass. I have nothing to hide in my past to incriminate me, but as an Australian I don't want another country's government to have my prints. I know it is just Disney but I don't know where my prints are going to end up. I realise that I am going to be called paranoid by most people on the board, but if any Americans here wan't to go to another country are you happy with the idea of them having your prints?

 

[TheDisneyClan]

Quotation from Benjamin Franklin: "Those Who Would Sacrifice Liberty for Security Deserve Neither."

There's just about nothiing that Ben says that doesn't make sense to me.... I can't picture Ben scanning his fingerprint after he'd laid down all those Hamiltons to visit a mouse...... So, I don't think I will either.
God bless all of you who are willing to give DNA samples, etc., just to get in to a theme park to have fun..... Does anyone know what personal integrity is, anymore? Yep, WDW makes the rules, and if you go you oughta know, but, c'mon..... I believe I wouldn't go if they wouldn't let me opt out. That's my piece.

Great minds think alike!

DH has a painting of Ben above the desk in his office with that exact quote proudly displayed below.

But rather the reflecting on the warnings we were given so many years ago by men who knew what they were talking about, its much more fun to suspect those who value their privacy are really just felons in hiding.

Like I have said, Disney makes it very easy to opt out, but if they did not it just means we would spend less time in Florida and even more time on Martha's Vineyard. I highly doubt though, WDW would ever mandate such a policy. Thank Goodness!

 

[stalkingmickey]

Like I have said, Disney makes it very easy to opt out, but if they did not it just means we would spend less time in Florida and even more time on Martha's Vineyard. I highly doubt though, WDW would ever mandate such a policy. Thank Goodness!

Martha's my second favorite place to go. Although I live so close I love to go on the off season.

 

[TheDisneyClan]

I would like to offer a different view on why I am unwilling to give my fingerprints. I am an Australian citizen and to my knowledge have never had my fingerprints taken. I used to work at Parliament House (White House equivalent for the Americans) and they never took my print to get a security pass. I have nothing to hide in my past to incriminate me, but as an Australian I don't want another country's government to have my prints. I know it is just Disney but I don't know where my prints are going to end up. I realise that I am going to be called paranoid by most people on the board, but if any Americans here wan't to go to another country are you happy with the idea of them having your prints?

Exactly!

Don't fret over what others may say or what names they call you. What matters is that you can refuse and get into WDW 10-30 seconds quicker than them.

 

[TheDisneyClan]

Martha's my second favorite place to go. Although I live so close I love to go on the off season.

We have never been during the offseason. A very dear friend lets us use their home on Chappy but usually between June and mid September. Though I am sure we could go in the offseason, we have just never thought about it.

Though dare I say that we love WDW second to MV. We have been visiting for many years and look forward to our early retirement there!! LOL Nothing like hopping that Ferry from Woods Hole and pulling into Oak Bluffs on a beautiful, sunny day. We absolutley LOVE it!

But sounds like we should consider on offseason trip to make the time between WDW trips more bearable!

 

[marivaid]

I would like to offer a different view on why I am unwilling to give my fingerprints. I am an Australian citizen and to my knowledge have never had my fingerprints taken. I used to work at Parliament House (White House equivalent for the Americans) and they never took my print to get a security pass. I have nothing to hide in my past to incriminate me, but as an Australian I don't want another country's government to have my prints. I know it is just Disney but I don't know where my prints are going to end up. I realise that I am going to be called paranoid by most people on the board, but if any Americans here wan't to go to another country are you happy with the idea of them having your prints?

I'm curious, how do you go through Immigration at a US airport without having your fingerprints taken ? We go to the US several times a year and for the past couple years or so, you have to get fingerprinted AND photographed before you are allowed through.

 

[marivaid]

Exactly!

Don't fret over what others may say or what names they call you. What matters is that you can refuse and get into WDW 10-30 seconds quicker than them.

You may refuse to get fingerprinted at WDW (and I understand your reasons) but the Australian citizen you're replying to won't have that option. He/She won't be allowed in the US without being fingerprinted.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

...why bother??

 

[WillCAD]

Since they started this biometric mumbo-jumbo, I have knuckled under for the sake of convenience. But I don't like it, and here's why:

The finger scan, whether it is a "picture" of my fingerprint, or an algorithm, or whatever, is demonstrably one thing - a unique set of numbers about my fingerprint that the WDW computer can - and does - use to specifically identify ME among the millions of other Guests who also have WDW tickets. It's done to prevent me from using someone elses ticket, and to prevent anyone else from using mine.

Okay, so whatever KIND of ID the biometric saves, it's definitely an ID unique to me.

Now, when I stay on-site and have my ticket coded onto my KTTW card, that unique identifier is linked to my name in the WDW computer system. And linked to my name is a file containing all the info WDW has about me fromall the on-site stays I have ever had - this info includes my name, address, home phone number, credit card numbers for any cards I have used to pay for my ressies, the dates of my all my ressies, any charges I make on my KTTW cards, the dates and times of any ADRs I have ever made under my name, and even the dates and times I entered every WDW park on any tickets I ever had coded on my KTTW cards.

That is sensitive info. Do I think Disney is going to do something neffarious with it? Of course not. But in the post-9/11 climate of fear and paranoia in the US, the US government can and does demand all sorts of sensitive info from private companies (sometimes with and sometimes without supoenas or warrants). Google search terms and Verizon phone records have been highly publicized as being demanded, as well as customer records and surfing habits from many national ISPs. Is it a stretch to think that Homeland Security might "request" Disney to turn over the customer database at some point to track a suspected terrorist?

And once the government has this info, they will lose it. The VA has lost laptops, and last week the TSA lost a laptop, with tens of thousands of private citizens' personal info on them.

"But you're already at risk," someone will argue. "Credit card companies and online vendors have all sorts of info about you, and they get hacked by identity theives all the time." That's certainly true, but the fact that you are constantly in danger of being in a car crash does not mean that you should simply give up on the concept of staying on the right side of the road.

There is always risk in life. Trying to eliminate risk is a fool's errand, but it is only prudent to take reasonable precautions, and to avoid the worst and riskiest behavior. Simple things like not mentioning your home address or phone number on the DIS boards, not accepting rides from strangers, not allowing your 6-year old to walk to school alone, and not automatically giving out any and all personal information that any company demands it, are reasonable precautions.

The whole fingerscan at WDW is not as big a risk as broadcasting your home address over the internet, but it's one of those things that seems unnecessary and somewhat excessive for its purpose. And it's just one of many such minor instances of private companies or government agencies assembling databases of personal, private information.

Sure, they all say they're going to keep that info safe and never use it for anything bad, but considering the number of companies and government agencies who have had vital customer info lost, stolen, or hacked in the last few years, well... let's just say that some natural skepticism as to the purity of all human motives has come and sat upon my chest.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

Yes you are right I will have to have my scans taken when getting into the US. I had forgotten about that, the last time I went to america was quite a while ago and we didn't have to back then.
But I still wont give them to Disney

 

[TheDisneyClan]

...why bother??

I see that after I posted you deleted your entire post except for that one line, however my answer to your original post is below.



Not indignant at all. I would be however, if it were required which it is not.

But it is a finger scan. Much the same way you scan a sheet of paper on your computer scanner. Disney explained it to me as a scan that takes a "digital image" of your finger-print. So it is a scan, though not obviously the same as the police department would take.

That said, I am not willing to give anyone without just cause even a "digital image" of my finger-print.

Please don't be so indignant of my refusal to decline a non-mandatory finger-scan by Disney.

And have a Disney Day!

 

[Zooey72]

The issue here isn't whether someone has something to hide, it is about privacy. If you have nothing to hide, why not let me read your diary? How about I find out what kind of videos you rent or books you read? Maybe I can get DNA samples from you and put them on record... if you have nothing to hide... why should you worry? Perhaps the government should perform DNA testing on all children to be sure of parentage. The list goes on and on.


Pandora's box. I think in this case it is a little over reacting... but I understand the argument.

 

[TheDisneyClan]

You may refuse to get fingerprinted at WDW (and I understand your reasons) but the Australian citizen you're replying to won't have that option. He/She won't be allowed in the US without being fingerprinted.

Right you are!

But as QuirkyButterfly from Australia has already pointed out, they will do not have to give it to Disney.