SecureIDNews | IBM signs deal for UK passports

Friday, July 10, 2009

IBM has inked a seven-year deal to provide elements of the UK government’s plans to upgrade to biometric passports, according to a Tech Generation report. The deal is valued at more than $432 million.

IBM will provide a replacement for the UK Border Agency’s Immigration and Asylum Fingerprint System which holds biometrics collected from visa applicants. The contract will also cover running the database that will store the facial images and fingerprints needed to keep the passport in line with international standards.

IBM will manage the project as the prime contractor, Atos Origin will provide systems integration and operations support, while Sagem Securite will supply biometric services and software.

The UK’s electronic passports containing contactless smart card chips with facial images and fingerprints will start to be issued from 2011.

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.

Security feature protects identity cards post-issuance

In an effort to protect laser-engraved polycarbonate documents, Swiss-based Trueb Group has released a new security feature called tru/window LOCK. This technology can protect travel and identity documents like passports and national ID cards.

Identive acquires majority stake in German cashless payment provider

Identive Group Inc. has announced a deal to acquire a majority stake in Hamburg, Germany-based payment solution AG, a cashless payment system provider for stadiums, arenas and other types of entertainment venues.

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.

U.S. government settles smart card infringement case

The U.S. government has settled an infringement case with Leighton Technologies by agreeing to license its smart cards.

Leighton Technologies, a subsidiary of General Patent, filed a case against the federal government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in January 2010. Leighton alleged that 54 federal agencies used its six smart card patents without authorization. Leighton’s technology was also used in e-passports.

Registration of newborns mandatory for e-passport in UAE

The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) announced that the registration of Emirati newborns is now mandatory for electronic passports (e-passport) and ID cards, according to ArabianBusiness.com.

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IBM signs deal for UK passports