Empty argument, contradictory and or non-existent connections?
In today's world, we have cultures that wear full face cover, as their cultural norm.
We don't need fingerprints, given a retina scan can be just as accurate for identification purposes.
Moreover, such technology, doesn't need any form of personal contact, but can be done from a significant distance.
Sim cards don't identify the holder, just the owner!
Biometric data, voice recognition technology, may well help identify cyber bullies.
DNA can be collected at birth, and used to eventually identify evil doers, or badly burnt victims of terrorist attacks.
The people that perished in places like Bali, would have been far easier to identify, had there been a DNA register!
Wiki-leaks, and all manner of professional hacking means, we have no real privacy, that privacy is little more than a pleasant illusion!
Biometrics are here to stay, they will help to reduce the black economy, and quite massive tax avoidance.
Cards are relatively easy to forge, but a combination of biometrics connected to temperature readouts, voice and facial recognition technology, might prove much more difficult, except say for fully sanctioned Govt agencies.
I've always said, if you have nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.
Albeit, we remain one of the few western democracies, without a bill of rights, one of which, could be a right to privacy; to stop various media operators, from hacking into and invading our personal privacy or space, at whim or caprice!
Rather than protect paedophiles, cyber bullies etc, a full suite of biometrics, may well help to expose and prosecute them!
Rhrosty.

My inclination is to agree with Rhrosty. Biometric technology would have many direct benefits. For instance, in a school setting think how much more efficient roll calls could be done, or how much more cost effective the canteen could be run, or how much more accurate vaccination, allergy, blood type records could be kept. The privacy concern should always be weighed against the advantages. Does the use of biometric data represent a thin wedge? Quite possibly, but that's been the case with every new technology that's ever been introduced. The real harm is not in the technology, but in how it is managed for optimal benefit.

Excellent post.

Personally, I have no problem with schools using biometrics to improve operational efficiency. The technology has potential to deliver significant benefits.

However, the technology should only be used as part of an informed programme where both students and parents are involved in the process, and parents have an opportunity to provide or withhold consent.

There have been too many examples of the systems being rolled out without educating, and without options being provided.

My full views can be found here: http://allevate.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/29/uk-schools-banned-from-fingerprinting-pupils-without-parental-consent/