Fingerprint Technology on Phones: An Innovation or Privacy Threat?
Written by Phyllis Smith
Last updated on September 14, 2013 @ 11:52PM
Created on September 14, 2013 @ 3:44PM

Apple just released the iPhone 5S that's got fingerprint technology. It's called Touch ID. It scans your finger to unlock the phone. While some think it's an innovation, others are concerned.

In the wake of the NSA scandal, some fear the government could collect data from Apple about people's identity from the fingerprint scan. Apple company representatives said they won't save the fingerprint as an image.

Rather, they're going to save it as a series of numbers and letters. Potential hackers would have to figure out what formula the company's using to get the information.

Some people said they think this technology's benefits outweigh the possible security concerns.

Monongalia County resident George Nicholson said, "I think it's pretty cool. At least you don't have to worry about anybody stealing your contacts or checking out your pictures."

Others said they think this technology is overkill and they really don't see the point of it.

James Mitchell said it's not that beneficial.

He said, "I think it's too much, like why do you need a fingerprint scanner on your phone? They already have the key code where you can type it in or swipe a special design on your phone so you can get in there. I don't know why you need a fingerprint scanner. It just seems like another thing just to put on the phone to make people be like 'Oh, it has a fingerprint scanner, I want to get the new phone.'"

Some experts think the most important thing is to educate users about how the technology really works.

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