I always used to think that fingerprint-based login would be a good idea, but then that was in the days that computing resource was the important thing to protect, rather than user identity and privacy…

[www.chinatechnews.com]

Fingerprint Identification Technology To Be Adopted At Internet Cafes

Fang Chunming, head of the Anhui Provincial Youth League, has disclosed to local media that a fingerprint identification system will be adopted in all Internet cafes across China’s Anhui province by July this year.

The system is expected to prevent underage patrons from entering the cafes and to help improve management in those cafes in the province.

According to Fang, a great number of illegal cafes are spreading throughout the communities, and it is difficult for the local government to monitor. Fang also says online games contribute to lower examination scores for students and the fingerprint system will better track the effect that computers have on society’s youth.

“…track the effect that computers have on society’s youth” – there’s an interesting excuse if ever I’ve heard one. Wouldn’t it be easier to RFID-chip everyone’s wrist and require them to use that?