ThirdFactor | Experts expect biometric data to help strengthen terrorist watch lists

Monday, January 11, 2010

Security experts have said that the terrorist watch lists than many countries depend on to keep their borders and air travel safe is an imperfect tool prone to mistakes due to something as simple as spelling errors and incorrect or incomplete data from uncooperative countries, according to a Journal Gazette article.

Fixing such short fallings has become increasingly popular due to recent incidents such as the suspected underwear bomber from this past Christmas, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, and many feel the introduction of biometrics could help ease if not fix many of these issues.

Specifically, organizations such as the UK Home Office expect that the introduction of biometrics as more countries’ biometric passport and visitor programs come into full effect and can be used in conjunction with the no-fly and watch lists will better the ability to ascertain the real identity of those passing through airports.

Read the full story here.

SmartMetric announces new card capabilities

SmartMetric, a developer of portable biometric solutions, has announced that its biometric activated data card can now be used to contain full medical history and health records on the individual. The card, called the SmartMetric Data Card, is a standard sized card that has the capability of holding multiple pages of data as well as being inaccessible without the holder first scanning his fingerprint on the card itself.

Indonesia to install biometric border control systems

The Directorate General of Immigration at the Department of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia, referred to as Imigrasi in Indonesia, announced the country’s plans to implement biometric checkpoints to serve as border control, according to a MICE BTN article.

New Zealand implements biometric checks at ports of entry

New Zealand, in conjunction with the Australian government, has begun utilizing fingerprint biometric checks of immigrants entering the country in an effort to improve border security and curb identity fraud, according to a TVNZ article.

UIDAI recommend biometric security for sensitive Indian data

Members of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a commission setup by the Indian Government to manage the process of providing the country’s citizens with unique ID numbers that correspond to biometrics, are recommending that biometric systems be put into place to protect the large amounts of sensitive data being collected and stored in the country, according to a Times of India article.

Experts expect more biometric checks at airports

In a recent webinar hosted by transportation and defense industry consultant firm IHS Jane, experts weighed in on biometric usage specific to border control applications, what can be expected as a next step and what it means for travelers, according to a Transitional article.

Bone biometrics holds potential for new security systems

Skeletal scanning technology developed at Wright State University could hold potential as a new biometric mode particularly effective in weeding out people of interest from crowds, according to an Ubergizmo article.

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Experts expect biometric data to help strengthen terrorist watch lists