E-Passport In the Works

ExE122 writes "In an attempt to curb falsification of passports, the United States has placed an order for millions of embedded ID chips. 'The chips carry an encrypted digital photograph of the passport holder. The chip is designed to be read by a special device that will be used by U.S. government workers who check passports when travelers come through border crossings. The State Department began issuing what are being called e-passports to tourists last week and will gradually increase production. State Department spokeswoman Janelle Hironimus said existing passports will remain valid until they expire but, eventually, all U.S. passports — about 13 million will be issued in 2006 — will contain such chips.'"

Comments

Scene at the customs office

[krell]

"Mr.... let's see 5AVE On Va1iumViagraCialis? Yes, everything checks out. Welcome to America!"

Americans traveling to other countries.

[krell]

"Because we all know how often Americans travel overseas."

Hey, I went to New Mexico twice in the last 6 years. That's fairly often, I think.