Biometrics Institute members share their insights
Biometrics is evolving at an incredible pace, transforming how we identify ourselves, how we travel, and how borders are managed. At the Biometrics Institute, we believe in fostering a community that not only embraces innovation but also promotes responsible and ethical implementation.
To offer a deeper dive into these exciting developments, and because we believe in the power of collective insight, we’ve engaged with our members to gather their diverse perspectives. We’ve asked them various questions to explore the rapidly changing landscape of biometrics, and their responses are now featured in a new video.
Their candid responses offer a fascinating glimpse into what’s on the horizon for biometrics.
Are passports going to become obsolete?
This is a topic many are pondering as digital identity gains traction. Our members weigh in on the timeline and the underlying factors that could lead to such a significant shift, discussing the interplay of convenience, security, and global standards in this evolving landscape.
Andrew Hughes from FaceTec asserts that physical passports remain crucial due to their universality and deep integration within border management systems. While fully digital passports are an inevitability, the transition will take generations. This is because current digital solutions like Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) still face challenges with accessibility and affordability, especially given the global inequity in access to expensive, vulnerable mobile devices.
Jim Slevin from Inverid states that physical passports will not become obsolete in his lifetime, grounding his rationale in the slow pace of change within the industry. He points to the history of ICAO international standards for passports, highlighting that it took decades to reach current widespread physical passport standards. He further explains that among the three types of Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs), Type 1 and 2 still require a physical passport, and standards for a standalone Type 3 DTC don’t yet exist.
Creating seamless and secure travel experiences
Ian Stamatakis-Brown from Amadeus believes biometrics will fundamentally revolutionise the passenger experience, having already made significant impacts at border control points by reducing bottlenecks. He envisions a future where travellers prove their identity just once, using biometrics as a token throughout the entire journey – from check-in and bag drop to security, border control, and even lounge access – eliminating the need to present multiple documents.
Andy Smith from SITA sees a growing embrace of biometrics for a more efficient and secure travel experience. He points out that biometrics, particularly facial recognition, are increasingly enhancing passenger flow at airports. For travellers, this means a better experience and the ability to simply walk through touchpoints and across borders with minimal fuss. This move towards traveller-controlled digital identity is an exciting development for the industry.
The latest in border management
Innovation in border management is constant, bringing both incredible opportunities and new challenges. Entrust highlights the extent to which face biometrics is a leading mode for travel and borders, noting its growing public acceptance. Jon Payne shares a recent, real-world experience of literally walking across a border with just his face, demonstrating how upfront collection of identity data allows for a significantly lighter touch at the physical border point.
The evolution of digital identification and verifiable credentials
Digital identity is rapidly becoming a reality, impacting government agencies handling passports and driver’s licenses, and extending to sectors like banking. John Rule from Brands Australia highlights both the shift to online processes offering opportunities for onboarding but also the risks regarding credential accuracy. And how current technologies like image and signature capture can verify authenticity through metadata, ensuring no modification has occurred.
The introduction of verifiable credentials in conjunction with digital identity will transform daily interactions, says Mark Chadwick from NEC Australia. This will offer citizens a convenient, secure, and inclusive way to verify their identity and credentials in both online and person-to-person transactions with government and business. The tamper-evident design of verifiable credentials through cryptographic signatures, coupled with facial recognition biometrics, will combat increasing fraud while providing a more convenient and efficient option for day-to-day activities like banking and travel.
What our members hope for the future
Terry Hartmann from Cognitec expresses a desire for a more considered understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He emphasises that AI is not a new concept, having been researched for 70 years, and that the recent “hype cycle” around generative AI (GenAI) needs to be tempered with the recognition that GenAI is just one part of a much broader AI universe. He hopes that in the coming year, people will gain a better understanding of the diverse applications and underlying principles of AI, moving beyond the current buzz to a more relaxed and informed perspective on its true meaning and continued relevance.
Biometrics is rapidly transforming how we identify ourselves, navigate travel, and manage borders. To get a summary of diverse insights on what the future holds, watch the full video here.
