BUSINESS
Biometrics bodies link up
24-08-2004
by Deirdre McArdle
The European Biometrics Forum has partnered with the International Association of Biometrics with the aim of strengthening biometrics efforts in Europe.
The agreement, which takes the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will see the European Biometrics Forum (EBF) and the International Association of Biometrics (iAfB) working together on a range of ambitious action plans in the areas of biometrics standards, certification and data protection rights, according to Martin Walsh, chairman of the EBF.
Biometrics are automated ways in which a person can be recognised through physical or behavioural traits. The most common physical biometric methods are fingerprinting, voice pattern recognition, iris and retina scanning, facial recognition, and hand and finger geometry. Behavioural biometrics are related to the unique way in which a person does things like typing in a password for example.
The area of biometrics is really taking off at the moment. Biometric fingerprint checking, for instance, will be required for entry into the US from autumn 2004, and the European Union (EU) has recently announced that it is to invest no less than EUR170 million to develop new visa, passport and immigration systems incorporating biometrics.
The agreement between the EBF and the iAfB is important in that it will combine the knowledge base of two dedicated biometrics organisations. According to the EBF, the partnership will include working together to help members prepare for the large scale biometrics developments that will emerge in the next 12 to 18 months, like the introduction of biometrics into passports and visas in the EU.
"This new partnership agreement will allow for greater ties between the organisations and for added benefits for members. The shared expertise and know-how of the two organisations can help address the pressing issues of biometrics such as standards and data protection and to advise and formulate policy," said Walsh.
The EBF is a network of biometric experts and organisations funded by the European Union and the Irish government, which contributed EUR250 million to the establishment of the forum. It was established in June 2003 in Dublin's Digital Depot and is chaired by Martin Walsh.
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