UK considers face biometrics to verify vaccinated travelers

The UK is taking steps to allow British citizens to resume traveling, with plans to make vaccination credentials capable of supporting face biometrics checks at borders and prove the bearer is not carrying the novel coronavirus.

The investigation by The Telegraph mentions that Cabinet Office officials have contacted banknote printers, including De La Rue, for the creation of holograph and security stamp documents to verify the identity of citizens who have tested negative for the virus.

The documents could incorporate facial recognition, as well as NFC-powered chip reading capabilities.

De La Rue would also be considering the development of security seals and stamps to ensure the authenticity of COVID-19 test kits and vaccines.

The partnership between the UK government and De La Rue is still being discussed, however, and no definitive agreement has been signed as of yet.

‘Freedom passes’ considered once UK vaccine program starts 

The UK government is also considering issuing “freedom passes” to citizens passing two negative coronavirus tests a week, the Telegraph reports.

Individuals who satisfy these requirements on a regular basis will receive a letter or document that proves their status and will be exempt from a series of safety measures, such as wearing a mask in public.

These citizens will be able to store the freedom pass as a digital credential on their smartphones and exhibit it to police forces or shop owners upon request.

According to the Telegraph investigation, the new scheme would be aimed at allowing people to go back to a somehow normal life, while the Government starts its vaccination program next year.

The scheme, which has reportedly been approved by former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, comes after a first, similar one was scrapped in April, due to the WHO warning governments against issuing coronavirus immunity passports.

Article Topics

biometric identification  |  biometrics  |  credentials  |  digital identity  |  facial recognition  |  identity verification  |  travel and tourism  |  UK