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Some Illinois businesses no longer use traditional methods to track employee attendance. To use a biometric time clock, an employee provides something such as their fingerprint, their voice, face, iris, or palm scan.
How does a biometric time clock work?
A biometric time clock uses a specific biometric to identify a person. A biometric is something unique about a person. Examples of biometrics include the face, a fingerprint, the voice, and the eyes.
The clock has stored data that it uses for identification purposes. For example, a biometric clock that asks for your fingerprint has your fingerprints stored in its data. When you present the requested biometric, the clock compares it to the stored information.
Why use a biometric time clock?
A biometric time clock is an accurate way to track employee attendance. Biometrics makes it impossible for an employee to lie about their attendance. No one else can clock in for an employee because a biometric is unique to each person. The use of biometrics also improves security by deterring trespassers.
Biometric time clock use and data collection
Some employees are concerned about how biometric data is used and stored. Illinois has enacted the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) to address the concerns surrounding biometrics.
The BIPA requires employers to get written consent from employees before collecting biometric data. Employers must also verify collection and explain data use and what happens once it’s no longer needed.
The BIPA also prohibits employers from selling or leasing employee biometric data. There are also strict confidentiality rules when it comes to biometric data.
As biometric collection becomes widespread, more biometric-specific employment laws will likely become necessary. USA Employment Lawyers can help if you have concerns or questions about biometric privacy and your workplace.
