Illinois § 5

§ 5.

Legislative findings; intent. The General Assembly finds all of the following: (a) The use of biometrics is growing in the business and security screening sectors and appears to promise streamlined financial transactions and security screenings. (b) Major national corporations have selected the City of Chicago and other locations in this State as pilot testing sites for new applications of biometric-facilitated financial transactions, including finger-scan technologies at grocery stores, gas stations, and school cafeterias. (c) Biometrics are unlike other unique identifiers that are used to access finances or other sensitive information. For example, social security numbers, when compromised, can be changed. Biometrics, however, are biologically unique to the individual; therefore, once compromised, the individual has no recourse, is at heightened risk for identity theft, and is likely to withdraw from biometric-facilitated transactions. (d) An overwhelming majority of members of the public are weary of the use of biometrics when such information is tied to finances and other personal information. (e) Despite limited State law regulating the collection, use, safeguarding, and storage of biometrics, many members of the public are deterred from partaking in biometric identifier-facilitated transactions. (f) The full ramifications of biometric technology are not fully known. (g) The public welfare, security, and safety will be served by regulating the collection, use, safeguarding, handling, storage, retention, and destruction of biometric identifiers and information. (Source: P.A. 95-994, eff. 10-3-08.)