Disney Exploring Foot Tracking Technology

Disney recently aquired a patent for new foot scanning technology

Disney may one day be able to keep track of its theme-park visitors by their feet.

Walt Disney World Company recently received a patent for the new technology from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The technology would involve a sensor and cameras, which would help identify visitors. The data received could customize the guest experience.

Currently, Disney World can track guests by MagicBands, hotel keys, RFID bracelets, FastPasses and credit cards.

The company says there are no immediate plans to use the new technology, but privacy rights lawyers advise the public to be wary.

"Disney talks about how it doesn't track personal information with the MagicBands," said said Nicole Ozer, technology and civil liberties policy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. "But they have unique identifier numbers, like a driver's license or social security number. Your information can be tracked from a distance without you even knowing it. Disney is in the business of making money, not of protecting privacy."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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