Biometrics

1. Biometrics Iris Scanning PATRICK JEUNE and DANIELLE LOWERY

2. What is Iris Scanning? • Iris scanning is a method of biometric authentication that uses pattern-recognition techniques based on high-resolution images of the irides of an individual's eyes. • Iris recognition uses camera technology, with subtle infrared illumination reducing specular reflection from the convex cornea, to create images of the detail-rich, intricate structures of the iris. As a result of this procedure positive identification of an individual can be made.

3. The question is Why Not? • U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper are aiming to integrate the two countries more closely in security and trade. They plan to use biometrics in screening travelers entering through the U.S and Canada. The goal is to integrate the system for tracking those entering and leaving the countries.

4. Risks • Iris recognition is complicated to perform at a distance larger than a few meters; therefore, accuracy is a question if the person to be identified is not cooperating by holding his/her head still and looking into the camera. • There are questions about the precision of the test due to the fact the test is supervised by a human operator; in addition, extra measures need to be in place to reveal possible fake iris’s and or pupils.

5. More risk • Similar to other photographic biometric technologies, iris recognition is susceptible to poor image quality; consequently, resulting in unusable data. • Also, with other identification infrastructure (national residents databases, ID cards, etc.), civil rights activists have voiced concerns that iris-recognition technology might help governments to track individuals beyond their will.

6. Replacements • Iris and fingerprint-scanning technology will elimintae passwords and PIN numbers as the long-term answer to identity management problems. • In addition, biometrics iris scanning will eliminate the possibility of creating fake passports by introducing "E-passports” also dubbed "smart passports". According to Alorie Gilbert, “E-passports incorporate a special microchip that stores basic data, including the passport holder’s name, date of birth and place of birth. The chip, smaller than the width of a human hair and holding only 64K of memory, also has enough room to store biometric data, including digital fingerprints, photos and iris scans”.

7. Tom Ridge Wants Biometrics • Tom Ridge states, "Common international standards of biometrics must be developed. In my view, the sooner, the better…we believe that biometrics is an extraordinary technological tool. It cannot only accurately identify and crosscheck travelers and potential terrorists before they enter our countries, but biometrics also provide increased travel document security and important personal identity protections." This type of security system would not totally eliminate terrorism at a whole; however, it would be successful in providing additional tools in reducing crime in the United States.

8. Biometric Security • Birmingham Airport has launched a security system based on biometric technology. • The launch at Birmingham Terminal 1 is part of the nationwide rollout at airports across the UK of Project Iris - the Iris Recognition Immigration System - which uses iris-scanning technology to identify frequent travelers and speed up immigration checks.

9. Conclusion • We believe that Biometric Iris scanning will be successful if applied to air travel and country borders. This will help protect the United States and other countries from terrorist attacks. It will also successfully decrease the amount of illegal immigrants that enter the country. • Iris scanning would not be successful is applied to everyday life because it will invade peoples right to there own privacy