A little background …

Is all starts with a single yes/no question of authentication ...

Believe it or not, the question is not “Is this person who they claim to be?”  It is “Does the presented biometric credential match what we have on file?” If the system says yes, you are permitted access; if no, the system flags and error and probably will ask you to re-try a limited number of times before locking you out of the system.

It starts with the algorithm to capture your biometric information. Using several key biometric markers the information is reduced to a string of descriptive numbers to represent the results of the biometric scan. If this algorithm is standardized for a particular application, multiple scans will always match. If the same algorithm is extended to multiple machines and applications, all scan-equipped devices will be accessible with your credentials.

Biometrics, a clear and present danger to your safety, security and identity …

Being physically present for a scan is supposed to be insurance that you are who you say. But to electronic circuits it is merely that your number matches what they have on file.

If an evildoer has access to the physical device, it is not beyond the realm of possibility for them to simply input your coded information into the data stream – without your physical presence or participation. Or, considering the worst case scenario, the evildoer does not have access to the physical device, but access to the communications data stream to the controlling servers. Not so far-fetched when you consider that some hackers have managed to gain access to ATMs using the data stream.

In the final analysis, if this coded representation of your identity is compromised, you could lose your money – and possibly your freedom; especially if your identification was used to perpetrate a crime.

Enter the biometric vending machine …

Most of us consider omni-present vending machines to be benign devices to fullfill our snacking needs in a timely manner – albeit at a price consistent with location and convenience.

However, enable these devices with biometric data capture and authentication systems and they become much more problematical; it could be catastrophic.

Especially when they might be accessed by the government to build a database of citizens’ biometric data – fingerprints, etc. without the need for a warrant. Add to that the stunning examples of police and prosecutorial abuse – faked evidence, overlooked evidence, manufactured testimony – and the prospect of government databases with biometric data becomes chilling.

Is this YOUR future?

As reported by Fox New York …

“Vending Machines Of The Future”

“Your thumbprint might soon be the key to an afternoon candy bar. A Massachusetts based vending machine company is joining the growing ranks of companies that are field-testing new technologies.”

“Next Generation Vending and Food Service is experimenting  with biometric vending machines that would allow a user to tie a credit card to their thumbprint.”

“Next Generation is currently testing about 60 of the biometric machines in various locations in the northeast.”

Spying on consumers?

“The machines include internally mounted cameras to monitor what is going on outside of the machine.”

Another real-time video source that can be subpoenaed in case of a nearby crime?  Of course, with the introduction of new and innovative tracking systems, it is always sold as being “for the children.” So would it be so unthinkable to see the government using these devices for locating and extending the monitoring of “deadbeat dads” or sex offenders?

“The company is also installing wireless or Ethernet connections on all of its current machines so there will be real-time reporting of the amount of goods in the machine for restocking purposes. Monitors will even be able to report when a coin is stuck in the machine. All of the current machines will be upgraded by the end of 2011.”

Imagine the company being provided with funding from the Department of Health and Human Services to provide, at first, research information regarding who is using these machines and possibly their pictures which give a clue to their physical condition. Or, in the world of big brother, an increase in your insurance premium to encourage “right thinking” (or should I say left thinking) healthy behaviors?

Beyond thumbprints …

“There are other innovations that are being tested outside of the United States, including machines that use retinal scans to identify and charge consumers for their purchases.”

Way out thinking?

For those of us with wild imaginations, one could imagine that these devices could be programmed by big brother to deliver incapacitating drugs to allow crime suspects to be easily collected at the scene. Or terminated with extreme prejudice if this is the government’s wish. While this is far-fetched, we have seen where On-Star has enabled government law enforcement to listen to conversations in a vehicle – even when the phone feature was not in use.  Consider turning on the video and audio when the selected individual appears to make a purchase at a suitably equipped biometric vending machine?

Bottom line …

We have seen the egregious provisions of Obamacare with its talk of denying, delaying or limiting healthcare on the basis of age and/or lifestyle. Is it not that far a stretch to see that vending machines selling soft drinks and snacks can be accessed by the government, first for research studies and then for prohibitions based on your purchasing pattern. For the skeptics among you who doubted Sarah Palin when she was demonized for using the phrase “death panel,” consider that it already exists in organ donor banks where someone needs to be the arbiter of who gets scare organs for transplants. And if you do not think that the process is immune from corruption, consider the organs going to foreign Asian mobsters at the prestigious UCLA hospital or heavy-drinking athletes being given priority over other deserving candidates.

Personally, I think I would pass on any vending machine that was based on biometrics. Ditto for pharmacies located in grocery stores and any other venue which used biometric information which did not require access to classified documents.

Am I being paranoid? You bet! Who would have believed that such a toxic democrat government could have moved this great nation towards bankruptcy and Marxism in such  a short time?

-- steve

P.S. There is no evidence that the vending machine company is engaging in any unlawful activities or plans to do so in the future. However, given the availability of tools, it usually is a matter of time before the government decides to pursue “other non-traditional” avenues of monitoring individuals without their knowledge or consent.

Reference Links …

Vending Machines Of The Future

LOSING YOUR PRIVACY: ONE DEVICE AT A TIME -- SONY TO FEATURE BUILT-IN CABLE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE|OneCitizenSpeaking

LOSING YOUR PRIVACY ONE DEVICE AT A TIME - GPS TRAFFIC DEVICES|OneCitizenSpeaking

LOSING OUR PRIVACY ONE DEVICE AT A TIME (PART II) |One Citizen Speaking

LOSING YOUR PRIVACY ONE DEVICE AT A TIME -- BLUETOOTH