UK scientists at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) have confirmed that
they will take part in a pan-European project targeting ID theft.
The initiative, dubbed
Biotesting
Europe, is part-funded by the European Union. It has recently received a
funding injection of €358,000.
Its principal aim is to enhance biometric recognition systems that measure
unique behavioural or physical traits to recognise people. These can be as
varied as iris images, fingerprints, the structure of veins in the hand, or even
an individual’s typing rhythm.
The scientists note that such systems are currently predominantly used in
national government systems for border control or criminal justice, but believe
they could equally be used in a domestic context to reduce identity theft.
“With a range of approaches and technologies available for biometric
recognition and new ones constantly in development, the field is a fast moving
one. Before investing in systems, buyers need to be assured of the usability and
reliability of products,” NPL stated.
“Similarly, technology developers benefit from independent testing regimes
that allow them to prove their products and trial them in combination with
existing systems. There is a need for a European network of resources for
testing systems and products.
“This network would improve access to testing and avoid duplicating existing
facilities. Before significant additional investment is made, there is a need
for an audit of the resources currently available and the needs of customers.”
The results that emerge from Biotesting Europe will provide a “clear
direction” for the future development of shared resources for biometric testing,
NPL scientists believe.
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