Gym chain 24 Hour Fitness is getting some attention for a new program that uses members’ fingerprints to replace the gym’s existing photo ID system.

A rep for 24 Hour Fitness says that even though the system scans members’ fingerprints, they have no plans to keep the prints on file. He says that members will select a PIN, then have their fingerprints scanned. This will generate a second code number.

“What we actually store is the number that is generated by the scan,” explains the rep. “We’re not actually keeping an image of your fingerprint. We’re storing a number.”

The rep says that the program is optional, so for those who balk at the idea of having their prints scanned at all, they will still be allowed to use their photo ID. He claims that test markets for the fingerprint program have seen “97 percent of our members had decided to opt in to the new system as their preferred check in… Overwhelmingly, it’s been positive.”

What do you think of this system? Is gym fraud that rampant that it requires fingerprint scanning? Or maybe they just don’t want Bayan Rabbani spending another 24 hours in one of their gyms…

24 Hour Fitness implements new fingerprint program [Santa Cruz Sentinel]

Thanks to David for the tip!

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