Finger Scanning at Disney Parks Causes Concern

ORLANDO -- The addition of finger scanning technology at the entrances of Walt Disney World theme parks for all visitors has caused concern among privacy advocates.

Tourists visiting Disney theme parks in Central Florida must now provide their index and middle fingers to be scanned before entering the front gates.

The scans were formerly for season pass holders but now everyone must provide their fingers, Local 6 News reported. They have reportedly been phased in for all ticket holders during the past six months, according to a report. Disney officials said the scans help keep track of who is using legitimate tickets. It works by scanning the ridges and structure of your index finger and middle finger called your finger geometry.

Disney officials said the finger scans do not take an actual fingerprint. The scan recognizes certain points and outlines visitor's fingers, officials said. Critics of the new scanning technology do not agree with Disney and said the scans border on a violation of privacy.

I think it's a step in the wrong direction," Civil Liberties Union spokesman George Crossley said. "I think it is a step toward collection of personal information on people regardless of what Disney says." Crossley said they will be looking into the scans.

The finger scanning began earlier this year at some parks before expanding to the entire complex, according to a report. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld also plan to implement similar technology in the future.


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