Can your employer scan your fingerprint?

Employers are increasingly using fingerprint technology to record their employees hours and other information. If you are wondering if this is against the law, and you live in Illinois, you are almost certainly correct. Pursuant to Illinois Biometrics Law, it is illegal for certain entities–and in many cases, that means your employer–to scan your fingerprints. There are certain exceptions to the law, however generally businesses are not allowed to record their employees sensitive fingerprint data without making a number of disclosures and also ensuring that they fingerprints are kept in a safe place. Unfortunately, many employers who store their workers’ fingerprints do not keep the data under lock and key. If you have had your fingerprint scanned and you are concerned, let us know.