SAGEM Provides European 'Multi-Biometric' Visas For Pilot

Groupe SAGEM announced it was selected to integrate a pilot test of European multi-biometric visas. Known as Biodev, the trial is scheduled to begin in the first half of this year and will last one year. SAGEM will equip both European consulates and border posts.

The announcement follows a December 2004 notice in the Official Journal of the European Union that the EU has adopted a regulation (EC No. 2252/2004) outlining standards for security features in passports and travel documents issued by member states. As stipulated by the regulation, passports and/or travel documents will contain a machine-readable biographical data page complying with the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) 9303 Part 1 standard. Passports and travel documents under the terms of the regulation will include a storage medium containing a facial image of the passport/travel document holder in addition to fingerprints in "interoperable formats." The data is to be secured and the storage medium is to have sufficient capacity and capability to guarantee the integrity, authenticity and confidentiality of the data.

In its announced pilot, SAGEM is supplying the enrollment stations and the multi-biometric technology (facial and fingerprint recognition) necessary to create and personalize the travel documents.

The personalization of the "contactless chips," said SAGEM, complies with ICAO standards and protects against identity theft and fraud.

According to the ICAO, a "contactless" integrated circuit (IC) in a "smart card" does not physically contact a card reader (as other cards require) to read information. The ICAO required that the contactless ICs used in Machine Readable Travel Documents should conform to the ISO/IEC 14443 - Identification cards, contactless integrated circuit(s) cards, proximity cards - standard.

SAGEM is also installing a temporary database for visa applicants and a search engine, both to help in fighting identity fraud and prevent multiple requests.

The test is a precursor to the European biometric visa information system, which may be installed throughout the EU's Schengen area, said SAGEM. The pilot system, the company added, will help determine the impact of new control and work procedures on travelers, consular staff and border police.

The pilot test will also allow authorities to verify whether or not documents issued and personalized with different equipment by clients and suppliers in five European countries are interoperable.

Source: Groupe SAGEM, European Union.