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Comerica Park fingerprint scanners spark privacy concerns

You can use fingerprint to get in Comerica Park
Posted at 5:53 AM, Jul 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-26 10:19:50-04

Detroit Tigers fans heading to Comerica Park can use an all-new, unique way to skip the long lines and get to the game quicker.

Beginning Tuesday, the Tigers will become the fifth team in the MLB to have optional fingerprint scanners for fans.

“Detroit is an amazing sports town with a loyal fan base and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with the Tigers,” CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker said in a release. “In addition to expanding the network of venues where CLEAR is available, we are also working on applications for biometrics that extend beyond security to other uses inside the venue that will continue to transform the game day experience.”

It's called CLEAR and will be available at Gate A, which is the gate with the big tiger out front.

Fans who wish to use their fingerprint to get inside will have to register at the stadium. It allegedly takes only five minutes and will go into effect immediately at the ballpark.

You will still have to go through security and show your ticket, but fans who register with CLEAR can expect shorter lines.

Representatives from the biometrics company say they will not share your fingerprints with anyone, and that includes the Tigers organization. We are told the only information that will be shared with the Tigers are trends in attendance and usage of the CLEAR lane.

One of the places the CLEAR technology is currently being used is Metro Detroit Airport where travelers can pay an annual fee that breaks down to about $15 a month which would allow them to use a fingerprint or iris scan to jump to the head of the TSA lines.

But some people are skeptical to give their fingerprints to a company. Click on the video to see the different opinions.  

"At the end of the day, privacy is the utmost concern for us and we don't share any of our data and biometrics, even with the team," said Ed O'Brien with CLEAR.  

But some think the convenience of the technology outweighs the privacy concerns. 

"If you have nothing to hide, go for it," said Cookie Ethridge, who signed up for the program.