SecureIDNews | Israel to create database of citizens’ biometric information

Monday, August 4, 2008

In an effort to create a system to curb forged identification papers as well as improve government agency’s abilities to properly identify citizens without proper identification on them the Israeli government has approved a motion calling for biometric passports and a database of biometric information of the Israeli citizens, according to a Y Net News article.

The new passports and ID cards will have smart card chips that contain the users fingerprints and photograph. Officials believe that these new ID cards and the database of biometric information will help not only in stopping forgeries, but also in identifying people amidst disasters.

Despite the motion passing, it was not without objection. Some of the ministers insisted that the new database and biometric cards would impede the right to privacy. Additionally, they are worried about the struggle to keep such a database secure from hackers.

Opponents of the bill include the Israeli Association for the Protection of Privacy and the Association for Civil Rights with current skepticism from the Israeli Bar Association.

After a nearly three-year delay, the Algerian government has finally launched its biometric passport program.

Magharebia reports that the biometric passports, which contain a contactless smart card chip that holds a digitized photo, fingerprints and signature, were supposed to be released in 2009. But the documents were delayed due to complexities with the operation of the project and the need to thoroughly research and analyze other countries’ experiences with biometric passports.

Indian government compromises on biometrics and identity

India’s government has called a truce in the ongoing argument between the Ministry of Home Affairs’s National Population Register (NPR) project and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), reports the Indian Express.

U.S. keeps Iraqi biometric data

The U.S. military is holding on to the biometric data of 3 million Iraqi citizens, according to a report on Wired.com. U.S. Central Command says the data will be valuable for counter terrorism.

Jakarta airport opens biometric immigration gate

In an effort to streamline passenger security, Jakarta, Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport has opened the country’s first biometric immigration gate.

Fingerprint biometric identification provider BIO-key International, Inc. and Oakwell Engineering Limited partnered to create the new gate, designed for use by passengers with electronic passports. Passengers submit their e-passports and authenticate with a fingerprint.

Concerns mount over new Canadian biometric programs

Privacy advocates in Canada have been raising concerns over the risk involved in two new biometric programs from the government that result in the sharing of private biometric data with other countries’ governments and possibly private corporations, according to an Embassy Magazine article.

Nepal nearing end of biometric voter registration

The Nepalese Election Commission (EC) has completed nearly all its biometric voter registration as all but one district and just shy of 10 million citizens have been enrolled, according to a My Republica article.

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Israel to create database of citizens’ biometric information