Electronic U.S. passports coming in December

Iria · Aug 12, 2005, 01:26 AM

But critics raise concerns about travelers' privacy

AUGUST 11, 2005 (COMPUTERWORLD) - The U.S. government plans to begin issuing electronic passports in December that feature a built-in chip that contains information about the passport holder and facial-recognition capabilities.

In an announcement Tuesday, the U.S. Department of State said the first electronic passports will be issued only through the department; By October 2006 domestic passport agencies, such as local government offices and post offices, will be able to provide them.

The use of electronic passports is being implemented to enhance document and border security and to make identification for international travel easier and more secure for U.S. citizens, the department said.
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Read More / Source: ComputerWorld

Aug 12, 2005, 01:26 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Electronic U.S. passports coming in December But critics raise concerns about travelers' privacy AUGUST 11, 2005 (COMPUTERWORLD) - The U.S. government plans to begin issuing electronic passports in December that feature a built-in chip that contains information about the passport holder and facial-recognition capabilities. In an announcement Tuesday, the U.S. Department of State said the first electronic passports will be issued only through the department; By October 2006 domestic passport agencies, such as local government offices and post offices, will be able to provide them. The use of electronic passports is being implemented to enhance document and border security and to make identification for international travel easier and more secure for U.S. citizens, the department said. __________ Read More / Source: ComputerWorld