Some people have expressed concerns about the smart identity card to be introduced in 2003. They argue that this innovation will be an invasion of privacy, as the card-holder's fingerprint will be contained with all the other information. I think these fears are unjustified. The fingerprint will help reduce the risk of criminals successfully forging ID cards. Also, this will be an all-in-one smart card and so it will be easier to manage. People will be able to use it as a library card and a driving licence. It will save us the trouble of carrying lots of different single-function cards. We should not worry about data being leaked illegally, since the new ID card will include sophisticated security features. It will be far more secure than the credit cards we all use. Many people raised similar concerns when the Octopus card was introduced and their doubts proved to be unfounded. It will take time for SAR citizens to get used to the smart ID card. But they will eventually come to see its benefits. We should embrace the advantages new technology can bring to our lives. JACON AU YEUNG MAN-CHING Ap Lei Chau
