Hi, I lurk here as I'm learning OpenBSD but I write now because I'm a little alarmed with a feature called Signature Track on Coursera.
I'm doing a free online course on the Introduction to Philosophy run from the University of Edinburgh. https://www.coursera.org/course/introphil The course is so good I wanted to give a little something in return. The only way of doing this offered was pay $50.00 for a course certificate. However to get this they want to verify who you are. OK seems reasonable. But on going to the Signature Track to do this https://www.coursera.org/signature/course/introphil/970720?utm_source=spark&utm_medium=bannerbox the verification consists of recording your typing pattern, taking a photo from your webcam and a photo of your drivers ID (the latter is supposed to be deleted when once it is used for verification.) >From the FAQ Q. How does typing pattern recognition work? A.We will ask you to type a short phrase. Then we use the characteristics of your unique typing pattern, such as the time (in milliseconds) between your keystrokes and the duration you press a key down, to confirm your identity. Small typos and minor day-to-day changes in your typing pattern are okay. I tried to attach a small screen dump but failed. Now I cannot know how any of this might be used in the future can I? So I'm giving them nothing at this point. Do you think I'm right? Thanks Moss
