digital signature archival systems

[James Moyer <vampire@innocent.com>]

On Mon, 1 Mar 1999, Anonymous wrote:

> Does anyone have any information regarding the legality of those
>annoying signature pads used by CompUSA, Sears and a million other retail
>stores?  It seems to me that recording signatures and compiling a
>database of them is a major civil liberties violation.  Comments?

On Mon, 1 Mar 1999, Michael Graffam wrote:

>Now, if they require it for cash.. that is is different story.   So, that
is the trick. If you dont want 'em to have your signature,
>withdraw cash and pay with that.

You can also just refuse to sign on the device. They will always print up a
paper receipt (at least, in my experience. I would be astounded if a
retailer "compelled" a person to sign on it.)

I have to wonder whether my personal satisfaction in not signing on the
device is psychological. Do they keep the paper receipts for long periods
of time? I guess they could also scan the paper receipts....