How to protect your most personal identifying data in the workplace

Biometric data includes some of the most personal information about you: Your fingerprints, your voice, your retinas, your facial composition – features that can readily identify you. In the wrong hands, this data can be used to commit far-reaching identity theft. Misuse can also lead to unlawful discrimination, invasion of your privacy rights and other serious consequences. Despite these risks, biometric data collection is becoming increasingly common – including in the workplace. As an employee or contractor, you may be asked to submit biometric data for purposes such as:

• Passing security checks
• Gaining access to facilities or systems
• Keeping track of your time
• Monitoring your work

The law in California – as in most states – hasn’t kept pace with these lightning-fast advances in technology. Still, the law does provide important privacy protections. Do you know your rights? As a leader in the area of consumer protection and privacy rights, our law firm recently published a white paper addressing the legal and privacy implications of biometrics in the workplace. Titled “Your Fingerprints, Your Identity, Your Privacy: Protecting Yourself In The Workplace,” it covers important information about your rights – and what you should do if your rights have been violated. We invite you to download the publication for FREE and share it with others. When it comes to protecting your rights in this critical area of privacy law, knowledge is power.