There were 4 billion security cameras in the United States as of 2009. The typical American is photographed 70-100 times a day by various security cameras. Many police departments and city managers have fallen in love with cameras set-up to catch drives going through red lights. The potential for abuse of all of this data is high since the proliferation of security cameras is spreading faster then their regulation.
Regular security cameras that only capture images can't always positively identify the person. If they are wearing a hat or clothing to obscure their face the security technician is usually unable to make an identification. Apparently we are about to make the next quantum leap from regular images to iris scanners.
Unlike facial recognition software or regular imagery, retinal scans can positively identify the subject. Movies and TVs have us thinking of retinal scanners as these small pads that one must stare into in order for the technology to work. Global Rainmakers Inc (GRI) have perfected the technology to where pedestrians walking past an overhead scanner can be identified. Even someone running through the scanner can be identified.
The potential for misuse of this data can range from increasing target marketing to increased government intrusion into our daily lives. Imagine if the government decides you are too unhealthy to eat at a fast food restaurant. The retinal scanners go off the minute you enter your favorite burger joint and your wages are immediately garnished. Far fetched? Perhaps but the trend of the government since 9/11 to make us "safer", along with more government regulation of what goes into our food, seems to point to some type of scenario using the iris scanners to better monitor people's behavior in the name of safety and security.
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