UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Expanded facial recognition technology for UK airports

Thursday, 18 June 2009

Trials of facial recognition technology currently underway at Manchester and Stansted airports is expected to be rolled out to 10 further UK airports by August 2009.

Designed to reduce queues and improve border control measures, the technology can be used by any UK or European passenger with an e-passport (containing an electronic strip). Over 17 million eligible passports have been issued in the UK alone since their introduction in 2006. It is expected that facial recognition technology will replace existing iris scan procedures. The technology will also assist with immigration security checklists and highlight evidence of passport tampering.

Passengers whose appearance has changed however since their passport was issued need not worry, as the facial scans will measure set structural points on their face – rather than appearance.

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