Biometric identification and verification technologies have matured significantly over the last decade. Facial recognition in particular has become the biometric solution of choice and related traveller facilitation schemes are being deployed around the world, not only for border entry and exit purposes, but also to create a more seamless and contactless journey for the traveller. Nonetheless, technological improvements also present risks to travel document issuing authorities and border agencies. Lessons learned have shown that technology can also be used to undermine the integrity of the facial images being ingested into systems. This session will highlight the risk from image morphing and/or manipulation, one of the greatest threats to the use of facial images. Other presentations will highlight the benefits of capturing the facial image directly from applicants or enrolees and describe the capabilities of biometrics at different stages of traveller identification, as well as providing an update on the deployment of the new data encoding specification for the facial image on eMRTD chips.

Moderator: Dr. Joseph J. Atick, Executive Chairman, ID4Africa.

• Facial Standards – Image Quality, Bias Measurement and Artificial Intelligence: Patrick Grother, Scientist, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States.
• Benefits of facial image live enrolment: Jacob Osterlindh, Advisor, Travel and identity documents Information Technology Department, Swedish Police Authority Sweden.
• DigiYatra initiative of India: Tapabrata Ganguly, Joint General Manager, Information Technology, Airports Authority of India.
• International Organization for Migration: Damien Thuriaux (TBC), Head, Immigration and Border Governance Division.