The new system will use biometric technology to prevent multiple passports from being issued to the same person under different identities. 3M will equip 104 British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions around the world with new passport issuance systems that can identify biometric information. One in ten British passports are issued overseas and the new web-based Identity Document Issuance System will ensure that these passports are as secure as those issued in the UK by the UK Passport Office. The development of the new secure passports follows standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which recommends facial recognition as the primary biometric for travel documents. British passports issued overseas from January 2006 will include facial recognition and individual demographic data in a micro chip. Structural dimensions of facial features will be taken from passport photographs and converted into unique digital data on the chip. The chip will also include the individual’s demographic data including name, age and birthplace. David Cook, General Manager of 3Ms’ Safety and Security business, said: “The FCO’s pioneering work to ensure that multiple travel documents are not issued to the same person will be supported by 3M delivering a tailored technology solution. But this is just the beginning; to complete the journey all UK issued passports must become biometric.” Paul Siezland Director of Consular Services, FCO, said: “Secure identity documentation is increasingly important given today’s focus on improving border controls. 3M has a detailed understanding of biometric technology and a track record in secure document issuance spanning 15 years including an earlier project for the FCO to issue machine readable passports throughout British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions.”
