US Immigration Implements Biometric-based Border

scubacuda writes "The NY Times reports (free registration) that immigrations officials are putting in place a sophisticated new identification system that uses ID cards encrypted with digital photos, signatures, biographical information and fingerprints that have been issued by the State Department and the Immigration and Naturalization Service by the millions over the last five years. "With more information systems, there are more opportunities for abuse," said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, which is pushing the government to release more information on its biometric plans."

Comments

George Orwell award

[LinuxXPHybrid]

This year's George Orwell award is going to whoever built this system? Well, congratulation!

Re:scary

[_Pablo]

I guess that like most technology led projects, delays are the order of the day.

So if 1984 comes 20 years late, then 2001 isn't due for another 18 years - give the current rate of space odessey-ing that may even be a little optimisitic!

Re:On a lighter note...

[Pharmboy]

During a trip to an INS regional office, I was briefly shown the green card printing machine. (The cards aren't green and they look similar to a drivers licence.)

Taped to the window was a very official looking green card for a Mrs. Janet Reno.

So the system is for aliens not from this planet, too?

UK got there first

[panurge]

The UK has been using biometrics for immigration controls for many years. Immigration uses an advanced system known as "skin color recognition".

You're white - welcome to Britain!