This statement seems to be a general 'complaint' about Apple, rather than specific to the new iPhone models introduced today. How is a fingerprint scanner restricting users' essential freedoms?
No, this isn't "news". The FSF position on Apple's products hasn't changed significantly in decades. That said calling attention to that position and discussing it seems worthwhile in context to me.
We could also regard fingerprints as a classic example of Security-By-Obscurity, like SSNs. They work well when used in small, obscure places like Top Secret building locks, but once the obscurity is removed by the fingerprints being compromised through accidental distribution, the technique as a resource is collapsed as a whole for everyone.
I will be glad if Apple makes fingerprint scanning mandatory, as it will at least introduce the concept of securing your device to the 50% of iPhone users that currently do not use a passcode. I'm really surprised Apple have implemented this before Google.
"Apple purchased fingerprint-reader specialist AuthenTec in 2012, and the U.S. government recently approved Apple's patent for its own fingerprint reader technology. The company, like other makers of fingerprint scanners, uses radio frequencies to map a finger's surface." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142412788732386460457906...