Iris Scanners in Canadian Airports

Ian_Bailey writes "The Toronto Star is reporting that the first biometrics (Iris-scanning specifically) devices in airport will be in place in Toronto and Vancouver starting in March. These devices are meant to speed-up the check-in process for frequent travellers, without compromising security. It is stressed that privacy advocates have nothing to worry about, because they are completely voluntary and cannot be used to scan without a person's knowledge, but there is a brief note about using it in the future for staff."

Comments

Schiphol system works but it�s unsafe

[ginkelb]

Sure we are using the irisscan program on schiphol airport to bypass customs.

There is however an security risk with this system that can not be solved by placing the scan equipment next to a security officer.

The scan of the iris is kept on personal digital medium and not on a central server due to privacy laws in holland. When a visitor arives he presents the machine with his card, look into the camera and the machine verifys that the presented iris is the same as stored on the card.

The problem with this is obvious. Hack the card, upload youre own scan and you can get access while using the name of someone else.

Sure privacy issues arise when you store the irir scans on a central server and only present the machine with youre identity. But untill you do it that way youll never get a really secure system.

Greetz,
Bas