CJEU upholds ruling on fingerprints for ID cards
The European Court of Justice has backed a regulation requiring individuals in Germany to provide two fingerprints when applying for identity cards. This decision comes after a German court sought the ECJ’s review on the validity of the regulation, which was challenged by a citizen who refused to provide his fingerprints. Despite some civil rights activists expressing disappointment with the ruling, the ECJ emphasized the importance of fingerprints in preventing identity theft and ensuring the efficiency of verification systems.
The ECJ justified its stance by stating that storing two fingerprints on ID cards is crucial for enhancing data protection and upholding fundamental rights related to privacy. The court highlighted that while a facial image can be subject to changes due to various factors like illness, aging, or surgery, fingerprints remain a stable and reliable form of identification. This ruling, which has been in effect since August 2022, aligns with the EU’s efforts to combat identity theft and promote the interoperability of verification systems across member states.
All individuals in Germany are now required to register two fingerprints when applying for identity cards, as per the ECJ’s decision. The court emphasized that the benefits of this system outweigh any potential concerns related to privacy, as it significantly enhances security measures against identity theft. This ruling reflects the ongoing commitment of the EU to strengthen data protection measures and ensure the secure handling of personal information across its member states.
Source: EU top court upholds ruling on fingerprints for ID cards – DW – 03/21/2024
