Biometric Identity Cards: Technical, Legal, and Policy Issues

It is very likely that in a few years time, most persons travelling around the world will possess a travel
document that includes a biometric identifier. This development could have a major impact on research
in the field of biometrics, as well as on the market of ID solutions. However, the use of biometrics
poses highly controversial technical and legal problems. The technical issues are addressed by
standardisation activities, which are conducted by the ISO/IEC JTC 1 SC 37 and 17, as well as the International
Civil Aviation Association (ICAO). From the legal perspective, states have to comply with
privacy requirements enshrined in constitutions and international treaties when implementing biometric
data in ID cards. The most important questions concern the choice of the biometric, the storage in
central databases, the use in private applications, and the installation of back-up procedures to avoid
discrimination. In the end, the question of whether a project as identity cards with biometric data will
be accepted in the population should not be underestimated.