A fingerprint scan may be the security feature for access to a laptop. It may be the security clearance needed to enter a restricted area. It would seem that the fingerprint is an important personal identifier. Nevertheless, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff does not consider these biometric data to be personal and private:
“OTTAWA - The U.S. homeland security czar says Canadians shouldn’t fear plans to expand international sharing of biometric information such as fingerprints.

Michael Chertoff says a person’s fingerprints are like footprints.
“They’re not particularly private,” Chertoff said in an interview Wednesday during a brief visit to Ottawa.”

Michael Chertoff is head of Motherland Security, holder of American AND Israeli citizenships, and is reported to sniff bicycle seats.