It’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the 24 Fitness where I work out and upon my return visit today I was greeted by fingerprint scanners. Considering that most data centers I’ve visited only recently added fingerprint security (and they are protecting millions of dollars in equipment) I was surprised to say the least. Maybe towels cost more than I think.
It turns out they want to move away from ID cards and use biometric identification for all members. Walk up, scan your fingerprint and put in your access code to gain access to the gym. Fitness, 21st century edition.
My initial reaction is that there is no way in hell I’m giving my fingerprint to my gym. I have a healthy paranoia when it comes to my personal information and avoid giving out my social security number unless absolutely necessary. Most of the time an organization will ask for your social security number when another piece of information will do (today’s date for example) but requires more effort on their part so they just try to be lazy. If fingerprints are the social security numbers of the future, I’m going to have to start thinking about where they go. I’ve seen enough spy movies to know fake fingerprints can be used to bypass the security system protecting my priceless art collection.
My second reaction was that this is actually a good thing since I don’t always have my card with me and with this system I can’t ever forget it. Also, I have no priceless art collection. So I’m thinking I’ll give the system a try.
And, hey, if they really want my fingerprints they can just get it off the equipment when I’m done. There’s a great one of mine on the 150 lb dumbbells. Seriously, it’s right next to where I wrote my social security number on the bar.
