Hi-tech EU ID checks on the cards
(photo: finger/card reader)
Plans for a high-tech ID database using digital ‘biometric’ technology are to be fast-tracked as the EU gears up the war on terror.
Measures to embed EU identity documents with microchips containing digitalised photographs and fingerprints have been a top priority at an emergency meeting of Europe’s justice ministers.
Moves to beef up existing proposals for ‘biometric’ passports are a popular measure for EU security chiefs reeling from March 11 Madrid bombings that killed 201 people.
“Enhancing security of all identity documents and setting up exchange of information on Europe's ID databases is an high priority issue for everyone,” said a source.
The European Commission is suggesting the “mandatory” inclusion of digitalised fingerprints data in EU identity and travel documents - a move that has support from Germany, France, the UK and others.
Such a move would effectively herald compulsory fingerprinting for all EU citizens, the ‘biometic’ technology requires each person to give between four to eight prints.
Also on the cards are calls for “comprehensive and inter-operable European information systems” utilising existing and future databases in war on terror and fight against crime.
Brussels and many European capitals are backing a EU ‘register’ of identity data – allowing border and security officials to check and track individuals.
“Extended use by other different enforcement and security authorities of data available… should be foreseen,” notes a commission document.
And the UK is urging measures “ensuring exchange of information on member states' identity databases”.
Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Finland and Luxembourg have also called for ‘biometric’ measures to be fast tracked as a post-Madrid measure.
Plans to create a digital fingerprint database of EU passport or identity document applicants have sparked civil liberty fears.
Statewatch editor Tony Bunyan argues that the measure would treat all EU citizens as crime suspects.
“We are moving from a situation where biometrics is used to investigate crime or terrorism to requiring all citizens to give biometric data,” he said.
“We are moving to a system where all citizens, in effect, become suspect.”
eupolitix.com
steve |
