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(ZDNet) Scary Mexico to create national fingerprint register of all cell phone users in order to deter kidnappers   (news.zdnet.com) divider line 53
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ZAZ [TotalFark] 2009-02-14 09:20:08 AM  
The British government also wants to ban anonymous phones. Most governments do, I'd bet, but some are more active than others in making plans.

 
changeit 2009-02-14 10:25:44 AM  
We are probably teaching them how to do it.

 
WildMonkey 2009-02-14 10:26:34 AM  
Bah! Amateurs! We do that here already and the public is unaware...pfff not impressed Mexico.

 
Dr Fever [TotalFark] 2009-02-14 10:32:00 AM  
in America, we don't go for your cell phone...we go for your drivers license when it comes to finger printing.

/didn't RTFA

 
Comic Book Guy 2009-02-14 10:32:23 AM  
If the kidnappings are near the border, they'll just use American phones. They will work over the border, it'll just be really expensive with all the international charges.

If it's interior, a couple of bribes will make sure that Pedro's hands are on that paper instead of the bad guys.

 
The_Time_Master 2009-02-14 10:32:41 AM  
www.yorkblog.com

/Approves


www.reelfellas.com

/Does not approve

 
LOGICAL_PSYCHO 2009-02-14 10:34:25 AM  
WildMonkey: Bah! Amateurs! We do that here already and the public is unaware...pfff not impressed Mexico.

How is someone unaware their fingerprints are being taken?

 
Bhruic 2009-02-14 10:35:07 AM  
Who knew that Dollhouse would force Mexico into such an immediate change?

/meh

 
wildcardjack 2009-02-14 10:38:35 AM  
So, you just kidnap people with cellphones?

 
TexasPeace [TotalFark] 2009-02-14 10:39:18 AM  
This will work, because nobody steals cell phones. It's very difficult.

 
Driver [recently expired TotalFark] 2009-02-14 10:48:26 AM  
When I get my cell phone bill each month I feel like Verizon my carrier is holding me hostage.

Amazing how a plan advertised as $39 a month grows into $50+ a month with the taxes and surcharges.

/and don't even think of going over your allotted minutes...

 
soupergenyus 2009-02-14 10:59:37 AM  
Fark article coming soon: "Old mexican ladies home raided on suspicion of kidnapping after her Jitterbug was stolen."

 
Funk Brothers 2009-02-14 11:03:42 AM  
Cell phones in Mexico are those ten pound phones that have a huge antenna coming out of the top.

 
mdbirt 2009-02-14 11:06:34 AM  
Headline right after they start printing mobile phone users:

Mobile Phone Thefts up 400,000,000,000,000,000% to Yetsterday in Mexico

Congratulations Mexico, on FAILing!

 
jso2897 2009-02-14 11:13:39 AM  
I believe the Fark meme that applies here is: "What could possibly go wrong?"

 
Electriclectic 2009-02-14 11:13:41 AM  
Donde es "Nanny State" en Espanol?

 
AliasUndercover 2009-02-14 11:36:24 AM  
May I borrow your cell phone?

 
FiatJustitia 2009-02-14 11:38:59 AM  
Funk Brothers: Cell phones in Mexico are those ten pound phones that have a huge antenna coming out of the top.

Wow, you are hilarious.

 
Xxplosiv 2009-02-14 12:09:31 PM  
LOGICAL_PSYCHO: WildMonkey: Bah! Amateurs! We do that here already and the public is unaware...pfff not impressed Mexico.

How is someone unaware their fingerprints are being taken?


WOOshiathats the point flying over your head.

you be fingerprinted for a number of reasons, he's saying that you cant tell them what they do with it after its filed away. its the same with just about any information, which is why the net is supposed to be anonymous.

 
mtudo 2009-02-14 12:17:08 PM  
FiatJustitia: Funk Brothers: Cell phones in Mexico are those ten pound phones that have a huge antenna coming out of the top.

Wow, you are hilarious.


Actually, modern cellphone use in Mexico is a lot higher than in its poorer, more rural, uneducated neighbor (yes, to the north).

 
F42 2009-02-14 12:45:33 PM  
Is it going to be handled by mexicans or outsourced?

'cause I've seen how things are done in mexico, if they go Big Brother it's more asinine than scary.

 
bastian_74 2009-02-14 12:48:18 PM  
They know how to read fingerprints there?

 
FiatJustitia 2009-02-14 12:50:47 PM  
mtudo: FiatJustitia: Funk Brothers: Cell phones in Mexico are those ten pound phones that have a huge antenna coming out of the top.

Wow, you are hilarious.

Actually, modern cellphone use in Mexico is a lot higher than in its poorer, more rural, uneducated neighbor (yes, to the north).


I know, my aunt is a regional marketing director for Movistar there. Cell phone technology is not a problem for us :)

 
Githerax 2009-02-14 01:01:41 PM  
First they came for the kidnappers, and nobody complained...

 
Gussie Fink-Nottle 2009-02-14 01:07:18 PM  
Good evening, Mr Santos. Your fingerprints were found at a kidnap scene so we are calling to ask you to report to your nearest police station.

 
Bunnyhat 2009-02-14 01:10:36 PM  
I'm curious though, why do people care if everyone's fingerprints are in a national database.

I hear cry's of it breaking the Constitution, but in what way and why?


Beyond that, why would it matter?

 
w_houle 2009-02-14 01:16:32 PM  
Because those who commit one crime aren't likely to commit two? Either they kidnap someone and use their phone, or kidnap someone rich and someone who has a phone.

 
ScottRiqui [TotalFark] 2009-02-14 01:46:59 PM  
Bunnyhat: I'm curious though, why do people care if everyone's fingerprints are in a national database.

I hear cry's of it breaking the Constitution, but in what way and why?


Beyond that, why would it matter?




Because you can't compel someone to submit to fingerprinting except in limited cases (such as having been arrested). It's a violation of the 4th Amendment.

I'm sure the police would love to have a database of the fingerprints and DNA of everyone in the country, as it would make their job *much* easier, but the convenience of the police does not trump the Constitution.

 
no clever name here just move along 2009-02-14 01:47:45 PM  
hmm...that is interesting. I have a mexican cell phone for when I am traveling there, and can't imagine the silly girls that work in the booth where I buy my minutes being responsible for taking fingerprints. They are usually pretty busy gossiping and eating.....

 
czsieyjh 2009-02-14 01:55:19 PM  
VOIP? Sim card cloners?

 
jimmyjoebillybob 2009-02-14 02:01:02 PM  
I had to give a cheek swab, fingerprints, and submit to a psych-profile to get a job at the grocery store, for seven bucks an hour.

We have a national DNA Registry for criminal offenders, and the military.

Our kids are photographed, monitored, tracked, and fingerprinted from one month of age.

I had to sign a legal contract with a privacy policy statement to order a pizza a few weeks ago.

My car records every moment of my driving habits and can be used against me in a court of law.

If you are caught urinating in public you can be registered as a sex offender for the rest of your life.

If I deposit or withdraw over a certain amount of my own money from my bank the goverment gets a detailed report.

If I fail to yield at a traffic sign i could be pulled over and have my person and vehicle searched.

Why can't the teenager at the cell phone kiosk in the mall have my fingerprints, it's a small price to pay for the freedoms I enjoy.

Mexico I am not impressed.

 
LOGICAL_PSYCHO 2009-02-14 02:13:09 PM  
Xxplosiv: LOGICAL_PSYCHO: WildMonkey: Bah! Amateurs! We do that here already and the public is unaware...pfff not impressed Mexico.

How is someone unaware their fingerprints are being taken?

WOOshiathats the point flying over your head.

you be fingerprinted for a number of reasons, he's saying that you cant tell them what they do with it after its filed away. its the same with just about any information, which is why the net is supposed to be anonymous.


That has to be one of the stupidest responses to a question I have ever read. Let ignore the "unaware" part that you are obviously too stupid to read or understand, what does taking fingerprints for various reasons have to do with forcing fingerprinting when buying a phone.
Some people just love to pull out the tinfoil hats any chance they get but you should at least try to stay on topic.

/you be moron

 
jimmyjoebillybob 2009-02-14 02:23:19 PM  
OK LOGICAL PSYCHO

explain "unaware" to X. Now you have referenced it twice with no explanation. I am curious, please expand on your statement.

Or curse me for be stupid as you prefer...

 
LOGICAL_PSYCHO 2009-02-14 02:36:37 PM  
jimmyjoebillybob: OK LOGICAL PSYCHO

explain "unaware" to X. Now you have referenced it twice with no explanation. I am curious, please expand on your statement.

Or curse me for be stupid as you prefer...


Well the quote was "We do that here already and the public is unaware...pfff not impressed Mexico."

My question was...

"How is someone unaware their fingerprints are being taken?"

I have bought a few phones in my time and have never had my fingerprints taken.
Not sure how I can explain it better?

 
Choccy 2009-02-14 02:43:16 PM  
Funk Brothers: Cell phones in Mexico are those ten pound phones that have a huge antenna coming out of the top.

I live in Mexico and my phone has a 5 megapixel camera. I'm getting a kick out of this reply.

 
Spoonerific 2009-02-14 02:47:52 PM  
Oh Mexico, if I never visit you again it will be too soon.

/Prefers not to be kidnapped, shaken down by corrupt cops, drink tequila

 
YouPeopleAreCrazy 2009-02-14 06:11:03 PM  
Choccy: I live in Mexico and my phone has a 5 megapixel camera...

...with a craptastically crappy lens, pointing at a teeny tiny sensor with too many 'pixels' crammed in too small a space.

So the pictures still suck.

 
ThrobblefootSpectre 2009-02-14 07:44:10 PM  
ScottRiqui: Because you can't compel someone to submit to fingerprinting except in limited cases (such as having been arrested). It's a violation of the 4th Amendment.

Cell phone use is a voluntary activity. No one would be compelling anyone to do anything.

 
ScottRiqui [TotalFark] 2009-02-14 08:17:39 PM  
ThrobblefootSpectre: ScottRiqui: Because you can't compel someone to submit to fingerprinting except in limited cases (such as having been arrested). It's a violation of the 4th Amendment.

Cell phone use is a voluntary activity. No one would be compelling anyone to do anything.




True, but Bunnyhat's question that I was responding to was "why do people care if everyone's fingerprints are in a national database?"

Obviously, any attempt to record *everyone's* fingerprints for a national database is going to run afoul of the Constitution.

 
cwolf20 [TotalFark] 2009-02-14 08:20:15 PM  
Wonder how long it'll be before the U.S. government decides that's a good idea

 
lordargent 2009-02-14 08:41:43 PM  
YouPeopleAreCrazy: ...with a craptastically crappy lens, pointing at a teeny tiny sensor with too many 'pixels' crammed in too small a space.

So the pictures still suck.


The lens on my real camera is bigger than almost all cell phones. Including the brick ones form the 80's.

/But I also have a small camera with a crappy lens, because it fits in a pocket. Not everything I snap has to be a work of art.

 
lordargent 2009-02-14 08:43:04 PM  
BTW

/submitter

/I submitted this saying "Nanny State" instead of "Mexico", the headline was changed. I kinda wanted people to jump in this thread without reading the article and start going off on the Brits again.

 
aharown 2009-02-14 09:33:59 PM  
if i'm bold enough to kidnap some rich dude's kid and ask for a bazillion pesos ransom (or whatever the going rate is), then i'm certainly bold enough to steal the cell phones i use first.

this will not be a deterrent.

 
ThrobblefootSpectre 2009-02-14 10:45:42 PM  
aharown: if i'm bold enough to kidnap some rich dude's kid and ask for a bazillion pesos ransom (or whatever the going rate is), then i'm certainly bold enough to steal the cell phones i use first.
this will not be a deterrent.



Oddly, when people have their cell phone stolen, they deactivate that sim card, and get a new one. So much for that idea.

 
ThrobblefootSpectre 2009-02-14 10:52:17 PM  
Cell phone thieves in general, don't seem to be a terribly bright group of people. If you have to pick one thing to steal, you may not want to make it a positioning device that constantly broadcasts your exact location.

 
ThrobblefootSpectre 2009-02-14 11:01:59 PM  
ScottRiqui: Obviously, any attempt to record *everyone's* fingerprints for a national database is going to run afoul of the Constitution.

Fingerprints aren't actually mentioned in the constitution. It would run afoul of district judge's interpretation of the constitution. A supreme court ruling could quickly change that.

And there's no law against requiring fingerprints or other form of biometric ID for voluntary services and products. The current jurisprudence just says that the government can't randomly demand your fingerprints for no reason.

In general though, anything you show in public, including fingerprint, voice print, or facial identity is fair game. You do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in public.

 
ScottRiqui [TotalFark] 2009-02-14 11:16:15 PM  
ThrobblefootSpectre: ScottRiqui: Obviously, any attempt to record *everyone's* fingerprints for a national database is going to run afoul of the Constitution.

Fingerprints aren't actually mentioned in the constitution. It would run afoul of district judge's interpretation of the constitution. A supreme court ruling could quickly change that.

And there's no law against requiring fingerprints or other form of biometric ID for voluntary services and products. The current jurisprudence just says that the government can't randomly demand your fingerprints for no reason.

In general though, anything you show in public, including fingerprint, voice print, or facial identity is fair game. You do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in public.


Except that you're not really "showing" your fingerprints in public. Of course, if the powers-that-be want to follow everyone around in public so they can collect fingerprints from discarded soda cans, etcetera, there would be nothing stopping them, but in reality, fingerprints are almost as invisible to casual observation as DNA. If I talk to someone in the street, I'll be able to describe their face, their body, and their voice, but there's no way via simple observation that I'll be able to later describe their fingerprints.

 
Pumpernickel bread 2009-02-15 12:04:48 AM  
luminescencias.blogspot.com

Deter Mexican kidnappers? Just call this guy.

 
Jkay [TotalFark] 2009-02-15 02:45:17 AM  
Mexico is the kidnap capitol of the world. I'm not exaggerating; my wife deals with kidnap and ransom insurance for business people.

When she travels to Mexico to see her people there, she uses Blackwater security forces. It's no f'ing joke down there.

 
lordargent 2009-02-15 03:27:11 AM  
aharown: if i'm bold enough to kidnap some rich dude's kid and ask for a bazillion pesos ransom (or whatever the going rate is), then i'm certainly bold enough to steal the cell phones i use first. this will not be a deterrent.

I'm no evil genius or anything but.

Why don't you just use the cellphone of the person you just kidnapped to place the ransom call?

 
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