NIST request comment on biometric specifications

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is requesting comments on a Federal Information Processing Standard support publication, entitled the Biometric Data Specification for Personal Identity Verification (NIST Special Publication 800-76-2). (View the pdf here.)

The draft update to SP 800-76-2 amends the 2007 biometric data specifications to include new card options.  Under the amendments, agencies will be able to use iris recognition as a biometric and utilize an on-card fingerprint comparison instead of a six-digit personal identification number for card activation.

The draft also extends and refines the biometric sensor and performance specifications for improved security.

NIST’s mandate supports the departmental-wide efforts in the U.S. government to increase the collection of good quality biometrics, to see that the data collected is appropriately shared with other agencies, and to make sure biometric systems are accurate and interoperable.

NIST’s biometric activities include: research on the various biometric modalities, which include fingerprint, face, iris, voice, DNA; standards development at the national and international level; and technology testing and evaluation.

 

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National Institute of Standards and Technology  |  NIST