What are the specific features of a central database storing fingerprints?
Peter Heinzmann: A central register with passport information, including fingerprints, has advantages for data administration. It facilitates the identification procedure when replacing missing passports. But such a record could be used in investigations and it could be an attractive target for hackers and criminals. Third parties might also want to use the data for their own means. Access to personal details could appeal to credit card companies or airport shops for instance.swissinfo: Why is a fingerprint register more risky than a database with photos and other personal information? P.H.: Fingerprints are increasingly used to identify a person, and the possession of such data would allow identity theft, so to speak. They are the most common means for biometric identification of a person. An increasing number of systems are equipped with fingerprint readers to identify people. There are buildings and rooms only accessible with the correct fingerprints. Login to notebooks and other co
