Denmark rolls out electronic passports based on Gemalto technology
09 October, 2006
category: Biometrics, Government
Denmark has chosen Gemalto to manage its new electronic passport program. Some 250,000 passports will be issued by the end of the year and 800,000 are expected to be issued annually. The agreement runs through 2009 with an option to extend it two additional years.
Amsterdam / Copenhagen–Gemalto, a world leader in digital security, announced that the Danish National Police has started issuing electronic passports that integrate its most advanced Setec secure technology. For this nationwide deployment Gemalto manages the entire delivery process. In addition to its renowned secure electronic passport software and high security polycarbonate data page technologies, Gemalto will provide passport booklet assembly and individual personalization of each passport.
The agreement runs through to 2009, with an option for two additional years. The Danish authorities plan to incorporate the electronic capability in all new passports from now on and are expected to issue some 250,000 by the end of 2006. Between 700,000 and 800,000 traditional passports are issued annually.
As part of the Gemalto e-passport solution, the polycarbonate data page includes a contactless microprocessor chip running the company’s highly secure operating system. The chip not only features the information identity already laser-engraved on the first page, but also contains the passport holder’s digitized photo.
“As we have been producing and personalizing the traditional Danish passports for the past two years, we have gained an in-depth understanding of the Danish authorities’ requirements” commented Jacques Seneca, President Europe at Gemalto. “We are proud to further develop our relationship with the Danish authorities through latest generation smart and secure travel documents which will benefit to both administrations and citizens”.
Through this additional reference in the field of e-ID programs, Gemalto demonstrates its ability to manage the complete value chain of e-passports. Mastering the whole issuance process enables Gemalto to offer governments a variety of state-of-the-art services whose utmost security features will benefit to their citizens. Gemalto’s e-passport references include the Czech Republic, France, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Sweden and the United States of America.
Setec is part of the Gemalto group (acquired in 2005). The Setec solutions include products that require extreme security, such as biometric and visual passports, electronic and visual ID cards, driving licenses and health cards.