Pentagon Gym To ID Members By Their Iris In Biometric Security Trial

Inside The Pentagon | August 22, 2002 | Anne Plummer

[Stand Watch Listen]

By the end of the month, the Pentagon Athletic Center known as the "POAC" will rely on a commercial iris recognition system to grant members access.

The unprecedented move of outfitting something as mundane as a gym with a biometric scanner to enhance security is a test orchestrated by the Army-led Biometrics Management Office. BMO announced the effort Aug. 19 and has already trained POAC staff on using the system, Iridian's IrisAccess 2000. This month, BMO has been helping "enroll" POAC members.

"Enrollment is a voluntary activity that will involve capturing data from the enrollee's member [identification] card and iris," the announcement states. "The individual will then be able to gain access into [the] POAC using the iris scan and their member ID card."

The goal is to shift secure access procedures to an entirely biometrics-enabled practice, rather than relying on member identification cards.

IrisAccess 2000 is intended to become the "sole tool" for POAC access by Aug. 30.

"Security is always a priority at the POAC," said Lacy Saunders, director of morale, welfare and recreation for DOD. Saunders said members are already expressing "significant" interest in the trial.

BMO said the program is advantageous for POAC users because they will not have to carry their ID card.

Privacy advocates have lobbied against the widespread use of biometrics by the government to replace identification cards or Social Security numbers, contending the fledgling systems open people up to new forms of abuse and serious consequences if their biometric imprint is somehow compromised.

-- Anne Plummer

[Henrietta]

"Enrollment is a voluntary activity that will involve capturing data from the enrollee's member [identification] card and iris," the announcement states. "The individual will then be able to gain access into [the] POAC using the iris scan and their member ID card."

"(Insert your favorite activity here) is a voluntary activity that will involve capturing data from the citizen's National ID Card and iris."

Your favorite activity might be flying on commercial aircraft, driving a car, buying groceries, or going to your kid's football game.

[JD86]

Enrollment is voluntary.....BUT.....it is the only access after August 30th....hmmmmmm