The introduction of ID scanners at night clubs and pubs could pose a huge threat to the privacy of patrons, warns Michael Morris, a legal specialist in the areas of technology and privacy.
ID scanners, introduced by some venues as a deterrent to alcohol-fuelled crime and violence, enable the owners of night clubs and pubs to keep track of who’s there on any given night and compile “black lists” of trouble makers to share with other venues.
According to Mr Morris, a Senior Associate in HopgoodGanim’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice, the use of ID scanners raises serious concerns about the potential misuse of personal information.
“Venues that scan drivers’ licences have access to a variety of personal information, including each patron’s date of birth, address, gender, and photographic image. Some more sophisticated ID scanners can also scan fingerprints and use facial recognition technology.”
“Companies that collect personal information have to make sure that these details are only used for the primary purpose for which they are collected. Misusing this information could mean the venue is in breach of the Privacy Act, which can result in harsh penalties.”
These concerns follow the 2009 Jetstar controversy, where a male flight attendant used the passenger manifest of a flight to find out the details of a 15-year-old girl and then contacted the girl through Facebook.
“This case serves as a warning to the hospitality industry of the potential for personal information obtained through ID scanners to be misused. The information collected can also potentially be used for serious crime such as ID theft and fraud,” Mr Morris said.
He suggests that pubs and clubs ensure all staff and contractors are aware of the strict obligations under the Privacy Act, and that patrons of venues using ID scanners ask to see the venue’s privacy policy.
Contact:
Esther Cohen, Communications Advisor
Tel: 07 3024 0192
