Identity, Security, Payments, Biometrics, Smart Cards and Authentication News

Registered Traveler program criticized for slow progress

Monday, December 3, 2007

The Registered Traveler program has been criticized for not really speeding up the process at airport security but simply allowing members to “go to the head of the line.” The Transportation Security Administration has not yet allowed shoe scanners to be integrated into the security checkpoint process as promised with the RT program. Also, Clear members have complained that after they swipe their biometric cards at the kiosk, they are still required to present a driver’s license with photograph or other standard government identity card to a federal screener at the checkpoint a few feet away because the biometric ID card is not yet accepted by the TSA. There are now more than 80,000 Registered Traveler members who have access to special Registered Traveler lanes operated by three companies at 14 airports.

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Biometrics enable expedited border screening

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Global Entry program is expanding enabling enrolled U.S. citizens to enjoy expedited screening when returning from travel abroad to a number of domestic airports. The program also makes them eligible to participate in similar programs at foreign airports.

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As part of the U.S. Department of State’s initiative to simplify and streamline customer service interactions and processes, the Office of Passport Services has started a 90-day pilot program for online passport card applications.

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The U.S. Government Printing Office designed and printed an FBI special events credential that was used at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis by public safety personnel.

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Department of Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano and Transportation Security Administration Administrator John S. Pistole announced the expansion of TSA PreCheck, a passenger pre-screening initiative, to additional airports across the country following the program’s success at seven pilot locations.

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Privacy advocates in Canada have been raising concerns over the risk involved in two new biometric programs from the government that result in the sharing of private biometric data with other countries’ governments and possibly private corporations, according to an Embassy Magazine article.

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The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), the state run bus service in Maharashtra, India, has adopted a smart card ticketing system to replace its existing paper passes for transit buses.

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