EU officials spark concern over plans for biometric passports

European Union (EU) officials have SPARKED major concerns among Human Rights groups and security experts following the announcement that they propose to introduce passports for individuals in member states that carry the holder's fingerprint and iris scan data, writes Alan Osborn.

Meeting in Greece late last month, EU Government leaders approved the use of biometric data in passports which, officials stated, would allow police officers to verify the authenticity of European passports by reading information stored on computer chips. The ordinary passports in use today have been subject to counterfeiting for some time.

Under the proposed new scheme, the chips would also be implanted in visas given to non-EU citizens, making it easier for Governments to keep track of foreign nationals as they travel through mainland Europe and the UK. At present, there's no set timetable for introducing the chip-based documents. An agreed EU statement reads: "A coherent approach is needed in the EU on biometric identifiers for visas and passports". A budget of 140 million Euros has been authorised for the "further study of biometric identifiers and other immigration-related issues".

Talking to Security Management Today about the EU's plans, Vick Bellamy – managing director of operations for security consultant Advanced Protection Services (UK) – commented: "The decision is a good one if the technology is to be used in the stated ways. However, if it's open to abuse by any Government then it most definitely isn't beneficial."

Bellamy added: "I think such an initiative would improve the fight against counterfeiting and fraud, but who would ultimately control the information? You don't have any control over that as an individual citizen. Who'll police the police?"

Tony Bunyan, editor of Statewatch (which researches privacy issues), commented that the EU decision would lead to "the mandatory introduction of biometric and potentially other data on all travellers, whether they're migrants, visitors or EU citizens". From Bunyan's perspective, the decision has been taken "without any form of public consultation or debate in Parliament. That's totally undemocratic."

In retaliation, the European Commission is insistent that EU Governments have little alternative due to the requirements set out by the US post-September 11. Specifically, the US Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Form Act of 2002 stipulates that countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free travel to America – as is the case with people in the EU – must issue passports containing biometric identifiers no later than 26 October 2004.