Congressman questions MyMagic+

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DIS News reports in this story that a Massachusetts congressman, Ed Markey,  is questioning the privacy of the new MyMagic+ program.  The congressman sent a let to Disney CEO Bob Iger asking for details on what information will be put on the new wrist bands and how Disney will use this information.  The bands, or bracelets as some are calling them, will contain some personal information and a way to charge credit cards. Another use of the wrist band is to enable characters to greet guests with personal information. Sounds like the characters will be carrying RFID scanners or something similar. But the fab 5 characters don't talk, so how will this work?  Disney is being asked to explain how they plan on using this information.

According to Markey, who is co-chairman of the Congressional Bi-partisan Privacy Caucus, "the bracelets could potentially have a harmful impact on our children." He wants Iger to address how how guests' privacy will be secured, particularly that of children. His letter continues, "Widespread use of the MagicBand bracelets by park guests could dramatically increase the personal data Disney can collect about its guests. Although kids should have the chance to meet Mickey Mouse, this memorable meeting should not be manipulated through surreptitious use of a child's personal information."

Disney's response, according to the article, included this quote...

... "MyMagic+ is a completely optional program. Disney's privacy policies and practices are fully transparent and guests can choose whether or not to participate in MyMagic+. In addition, guests control whether their personal information is used for promotional purposes and no data collected is ever used to market to children. MyMagic+ is designed to make a visit to Walt Disney World more personalized, seamless and customized than ever before."

  Well that's certainly a relief.  All we have to do is read and understand Disney's privacy policy, and all the little loopholes that may be lurking in the legalese.  The above quote implies that personal information will be used to market stuff to adults.  And exactly what personal information will the wrist bands contain?  Oh well, let's not worry about that or who might be able to scan the wrist band once you leave WDW.  There's a good chance we'll be hearing more about this new program, one way or another.