SIA Defends Use Of Security Technologies In Two States

The Security Industry Association (SIA) recently took action to defend the use of electronic security technologies in two states.

The New Hampshire legislature is considering a bill (H.B. 244) that would ban most public and private uses of biometrics in the state. If enacted, SIA CEO Richard Chace warned in a letter to Rep. Neal Kurk, R-District 7, the bill’s sponsor, the legislation would “prevent the development of innovative biometrics-based identity management initiatives by businesses, schools, colleges, hospitals and government agencies.”

“SIA and its member companies believe biometrics provide an effective countermeasure against fraud and identity theft in applications as diverse as personal access to buildings and computers, banking security, business-to-business transactions and e-commerce,” Chace wrote, noting the federal government’s growing use of biometrics in identification cards.

Chace said the legislation reflects “a significant misunderstanding of the security features and privacy safeguards of widely-adopted biometrics technologies,” and pointed Kurk to SIA’s Privacy Framework, which outlines a set of best practices for deploying security technology in a way that protects privacy.

SIA helped to defeat a similar proposal from Kurk in 2010.

In Oklahoma, meanwhile, lawmakers are considering a bill (H.B. 1399) from Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-District 54, that would prohibit the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in state driver’s licenses and identification cards.

In a letter to Wesselhoft, Chace, while acknowledging that “there may be some legitimate concerns about the use of RFID technology in certain applications,” warned of “dire unintended consequences” that could result from legislating based on “misperceptions” about RFID.

“If enacted into law, this proposal would drive the use of alternative technologies that are less secure and more likely to compromise the personal information of Oklahomans,” Chace wrote.

As in the New Hampshire letter, Chace referenced SIA’s Privacy Framework. He stressed that “safeguarding the privacy of personal information collected through government-issued identification documents is of paramount concern to SIA and our members.”

In 2010, a similar bill from Wesselhoft made it through the legislature before being vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry, whom SIA had urged to reject the measure.

Featured

  • Until We Meet Again

    A short three years ago we were all pondering whether to attend any tradeshows all thanks to COVID-19. Sorry to bring that nightmare up again, but it seems that little pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, and it’s time to meet again. Read Now

    • ISC West
  • Cyber Hygiene: What it Looks Like for IoT Devices

    Cyber Hygiene: What it Looks Like for IoT Devices

    For our second pillar about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Pillars of Security, we are going to discuss what cyber hygiene looks like for IoT devices. Read Now

  • ISC West Announces 2023 Keynote Series Speaker Lineup

    The International Security Conference (ISC), in collaboration with premier sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA), announced five of this year’s ISC West Keynote Series speakers. ISC West will kick off its annual conference on March 28 (SIA Education@ISC: March 28-30 | Exhibit Hall: March 29-31) at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Read Now

    • ISC West
  • Accelerating Security Modernization

    In recent years, the term “digital transformation” has been one of the most frequently used buzzwords across industries. On its most basic level, it refers to the reimagining of how an organization leverages its technology systems to improve business processes. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • SAFR® from RealNetworks

    SAFR® from RealNetworks

    A unique feature in SAFR version 3.4 is its ability to automate alerts to security personnel when a spoofing attempt or a fraudulent attempt to gain access is detected. 3

  • VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder

    VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder

    Johnson Controls announces a powerful recording solution to meet demanding requirements with its VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder. This solution combines the powerful capabilities of victor with the intelligence of VideoEdge NVRs, fueled by Tyco Artificial Intelligence, for video management that provides actionable insights to save time, money and lives. 3

  • ALTO Neoxx Electronic Padlock

    ALTO Neoxx Electronic Padlock

    Built to withstand all access control needs, the tough new SALTO Neoxx electronic padlock takes security beyond your expectations. 3