New Boston Student ID Cards Convenient But A Bit Big Brother?

Boston public school students will soon receive student IDs that can access the city's public transit system, local libraries, community centers and meal programs -- in a single card, reports The Boston Globe.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino told the paper:

"We're working hard to focus the assets of the whole city on the development of the whole child...This card will help make the assets of our city more accessible and remind each student every day that there are community centers and libraries for them to explore.''

But the launch of the card -- intended for convenience -- has sparked some controversy among city officials, who question whether students' information will be subpoenaed by law or offered to marketers.

Carol Rose, American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts executive director, said:

"The question is who has access to this database, which when combined reveals a treasure trove of personal information about our children, including what they read, what they eat, where they go, and how much money they have. That information is highly confidential.''

Read more about the card's launch at The Boston Globe.