Fingerprints and data protection in focus: EU court decides

In an increasingly digitalized world, the security of personal data and data protection are at the center of public interest. A development that has been particularly controversial in recent years is the introduction of mandatory storage of fingerprints in identity cards within the European Union. From August 2021, citizens who apply for a new ID card will have to submit their fingerprints. This biometric data is then stored in the chip of the ID card. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, this serves to clearly identify citizens and prevent misuse. But this is exactly where the discussion about data protection and personal rights begins.

Lawsuit against data retention

The data protection association Digitalcourage has led the movement against this practice. The organization argues that the forced and unprovoked submission of biometric data treats all citizens like criminals and thus undermines basic constitutional and democratic values. These concerns led to a lawsuit against the obligation to store fingerprints, which was ultimately referred by the Wiesbaden Administrative Court to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Privacy concerns

A central argument in the discussion is data protection. Digitalcourage points out that the likelihood of data leaks increases the more biometric data is collected, transmitted or read. The past has shown that the federal government's digital services are not immune to data leaks. The question therefore arises to what extent the security of biometric data can be guaranteed and what long-term consequences this has for individual freedom and privacy.

The decision of the ECJ

Despite the criticism and the lawsuits filed, a reversal of current practice seems unlikely. The ECJ did partially recognize Digitalcourage's argument by stating that the EU regulation was not drawn up through due process. Nevertheless, the storage obligation remains in effect until at least December 31, 2026. This gives the legislature time to create a new legal basis. The court's decision is eagerly awaited by many quarters as it will set the tone for the future of data protection and biometric identification in the EU.

Questions and answers on the subject of ID cards and data protection:

Question 1: Why are fingerprints in identity cards controversial?
Answer 1: Fingerprints in identity cards are controversial because they require the compulsory and unprovoked submission of biometric data, which is seen as an invasion of privacy and civil liberties.

Question 2: What does Digitalcourage criticize about the mandatory storage of fingerprints?
Answer 2: Digitalcourage criticizes that the storage obligation treats all citizens like criminals, increases the likelihood of data leaks and thus endangers data protection.

Question 3: What was the result of the lawsuit against the fingerprint requirement?
Answer 3: The lawsuit was partially successful because the ECJ partially recognized the argument, but the storage obligation remains in effect until the end of 2026.

Question 4: Why is data protection particularly important for biometric data?
Answer 4: Biometric data enables lifelong control and identification, so protecting it against misuse and data leaks is of utmost importance.

Question 5: What happens next after the ECJ ruling?
Answer 5: After the ruling, the legislature has until the end of 2026 to create a new legal basis for storing biometric data in identity cards.

Conclusion

The debate over the mandatory storage of fingerprints in ID cards highlights the need to find a balance between security measures and the protection of civil liberties. The decision of the European Court of Justice represents an important milestone in this discussion, but also shows that further steps are necessary to take data protection concerns into account. It remains to be seen what new regulations will be created by the end of 2026 and how they will change the landscape of biometric data processing and data protection within the EU.

We encourage our readers to continue to advocate for their rights and data protection. For more information and support, you can subscribe to the Mimikama newsletter at https://www.mimikama.org/mimikama-newsletter/ and register for our online lectures and workshops at https://www.mimikama.education/online-vortrag -by-mimikama/ log in.

Source: inside digital

Also read:

• Privacy Laws: Shield Against Identity Theft
• Airbnb cracks down and bans cameras indoors
• Cheap doorbell cameras: a gateway for hackers