Images

Recently our University implemented a universal ID card w/ magnetic stripes. One stripe is encoded w/ the individual's Social Security Number (SSN). The other will be used for future projects.

One of the projects planned is to build up a video image library of the card holders, storing them digitally on the special card-processing computer system. Suggested uses of these images include: 1) access to computer labs and/or computer accounts; 2) linking faces w/ names before or after a big meeting.

In the first case the card itself is the primary identification. Access would usually be obtained through a card reader, thus eliminating staff interaction. However, in situations where a card is not operating with the reader properly, or the person has left the card at home, an operator could verify the SSN and the face match before they give someone access to an account.

In the second case, faculty might find it helpful to match names and faces in their classes. The suggestion has been made that the video image directory could be accessed on the University's Web.

My question: who owns the copyright to the images? Since they're not "fixed" until the University digitizes and stores them, do they belong to the University? It seems against common sense that one doesn't own the copyright to one's face, but that seems the implication. I a release of some kind in order?

Don Zier
<don_zier[_at_]macgate.csuchico.edu> Received on Fri Nov 18 1994 - 17:42:32 GMT