Launch Of Airport Face Recognition Technology

Tuesday 19th August 2008

Face recognition technology has been launched as Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced the trial of the new technology that is believed to be taking place at Manchester Airport.

The new technology will scan a passengers face and then match the scan to biometric records that are held by the relevant countries authorities. The debut of the new technolgy is hoped to be able to increasing the speed at which passengers are able to get through border control. It is also hoped that the new technology will increase security at airports.

The system will not be open for all to use however as currently only individuals from the EU and UK will be able to use it, they must also have a new-style chipped passport. Passengers from other regions of the world will have to go through the classic procedures in order to board the aircraft.

The systems have already proved their worth in other areas of the world such as at all Portugese international airports and border control areas.