In December 2004, the European Commission adopted the biometric passports directive, a regulation that mandates the use of biometric facial images within 18 months and fingerprints within three years for all passports issued.
Biometrics such as fingerprints have long been used as identifiers, although mainly for catching criminals; but it is only in recent years that computational devices have come into standard use for companies and individuals that the use of biometrics has become viable everyday applications.
Investigations conducted in the US and Europe have concluded that there is much more work to be done to improve biometric technologies so that their full potential can be accomplished. Different types of biometrics have differing levels of accuracy, leaving room for much improvement, and user acceptance still needs further testing.
Despite this, governments worldwide are demanding that biometrics be used as unique identifiers, with the primary emphasis being on improving security for such things as access control, electronic payments, and authenticating travellers. One such scheme that has been raising concern is the U.S.-VISIT scheme unilaterally imposed on international travellers to the U.S. This requires the transfer of large amounts of personal information about travellers, in contravention to Europe's data protection laws; as well as, the provision of fingerprints and facial images when entering the U.S.
British lawmakers approve ID cards with biometrics
News release, February 11, 2005: A controversial scheme for national identity cards has been approved by the British House of Commons.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke told Parliament the measure was vital to the fight against terrorism, benefit fraud and identity theft. However, he admitted opposition in the Lords would make it difficult to pass it into law should an election be called in the spring.
Many members of Parliament oppose the bill on civil liberties grounds, an argument Prime Minister Tony Blair earlier called "a bit outdated," during a visit to the British Passport Agency.
Under the bill, a register will hold the details of every British citizen or resident. It will include "biometrics," such as fingerprints and images of the iris. The bill provides the power to make the cards compulsory at a later date, which the Home Office has estimated at 2010 to 2012.