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Go in for a drink, get put on a list.

If you missed the investigative piece this in the Patriot last Saturday about those little electronic ID card readers please give it some time in the next 14 days and READ IT.

While you’re at it, read Jersey Mike’s commentary on this topic as well.

Anyone who goes downtown should be aware that some nightclubs are doing more than just scanning your license to verify your age. These nightclubs are collecting the data on your ID, turning around and and compiling a list to market their club to you.

Who knows what else they do with this information? In the article, they claim to “never sell or share” that information, but do people read the club’s privacy policy before their card gets swiped? Are they told they can be opted out of their mailing list before your ID is checked? The answer is no.

I have a background in online direct marketing and I am aware of the responsibilities that come with collecting user data. So far, this downtown club owner has made no statements, or posted any notifications at the door that he will respect the patron’s privacy or information once that person enters the building.

Additionally, a prosecutor could use this information to determine if a person was inside a club, potentially drinking at a certain time if they wanted evidence in a DUI case. Also, if that nightclub gets sold to another person or company, your private information could be compromised.

I may be paranoid about collecting personally identifiable information, but if you read information about what the capabilites of these scanners are, you might think otherwise. If you feel strongly about keeping your personal information safe you should either let the door person know you do not want your ID scanned and have it read manually instead. The alternative is you should not patronize a bar or nightclub that uses the portable handheld devices, period.If you want to report a club that uses these ID scanners, please post it in the comment section below.

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Posted by Bone on Tuesday, February 27th, 2007 at 12:56 pm.

5 Responses to “Go in for a drink, get put on a list.”

meh. Privacy is a myth.

Left by josh on February 27th, 2007

i noticed this almost a year ago, when going into the hardware bar in early dec, i a few weeks later recieved a coupon for my birthday which is in december, then another one next june for a half birthday party, the only way the could have gotten that info was when they scanned my license. luckily i havent gotten any other junk from anywhere else, just a coupon to get in free every 6 months from them.

Left by james on February 27th, 2007

If you don’t allow them to swipe, you don’t get in! Those devices should be regulated by local government and also audited too to ensure privacy or selling of information to advertisers, but who’s going to step up to ensure this takes place?

Left by Kelly on February 28th, 2007

>>If you don’t allow them to swipe, you don’t get in!

I don’t believe it is law that bars and nightclubs use these devices since not all of them do. It may be the policy of the club to swipe all IDs. I am sure you can politely ask your ID not be swiped. They may choose to not let you in, it is their right. If this is the case, do not patronize that club.

It doesn’t take a masters degree to subtract the years on the ID to figure out your age.

Left by Bone on March 1st, 2007

DRAGONFLY HAS THIS TYPE OF DEVICE.

Left by sis on March 1st, 2007

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