INQUIRY OVER BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS

The biometric passport is the new type of passports, which from October 2006 are required for entry to the US by the VWP (see also later on the section Types of biometric passports). The passports must contain an RFID-chip, which holds digitized information about the passport’s owner. The individual government decides much of the specific digital information, but certain demands are made by the US and the ICAO standard.biometric, rfid, icao, vwp

Privacy Concerns Regarding the Use of Biometrics in Trusted Traveler Programs

One of the objectives of the U.S. government is to balance the individual’s right to privacy and national security interests. Trusted Traveler programs create a risk-based security model where the traveling public is categorized into low or high risk. There are, however, some privacy concerns related to the acceptance of the use of biometric technology in the adoption of expedited security screening procedures in commercial airports. The theoretical construct of this case study of the TSA Pre-Check Program is based on Ajzen and Fischbein’s theory of reasoned action, specifically through Davis’ technology acceptance model. The purpose of this case study was to explore the perceptions of the traveling public regarding the protection of privacy and the use of biometric technologies. Data for this study included 325 social media postings, 50 privacy complaints reported to the Department of Homeland Security between 2009 and 2014, and publicly available data from the Government Accountability Office about expedited screening for the years 2011 – 2014. Data were coded into a priori themes and then subjected to a content analysis procedure. Findings indicate that the traveling public generally support expedited security screening and consent to waiving certain privacy rights in order to facilitate expedited screening. Complaints from travelers were also primarily related to wait times and secondary screening, and not privacy concerns. The positive social change implications stemming from this study include recommendations to the TSA to expand the Trusted Traveler programs such that the primary concern of the traveling public, reduction of wait time is balanced against privacy concerns about the collection of biometric data as part of a measured response to aviation security

Aviation Security: Registered Traveler Program Policy and Implementation Issues

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "The aviation industry and business traveler groups have proposed the registered traveler concept as a way to reduce long waits in airport security lines caused by heightened security screening measures implemented after the September 11 terrorist attacks. In addition, aviation security experts have advocated this concept as a way to better target security resources to those travelers who might pose greater security risks. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act of November 2001 allows the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to consider developing a registered traveler program as a way to address these two issues. GAO completed this review to inform Congress and TSA of policy and implementation issues related to the concept of a registered traveler program.

The New Security Perimeter with the United States

After 9/11, several decades of success in building a more open US-Canadian border came to an end due to rising security concerns. To ameliorate this trend, both countries are now attempting to make their border more permeable. This paper attempts to predict how a new security perimeter agreement will be negotiated and what subjects will be covered by any new agreement or series of agreements. Sensitive issues such as privacy, civil rights and harmonization of national regulations, trade and security practices are examined. The paper also deals with the twin problems of the current lack of trust in politicians and governments and the difficulty of getting an agreement before the American presidential and Congressional elections get under way in earnest. The paper concludes with an examination of what the consequences will be if no agreement is reached between Canada and the US on a new security and trade perimeter

Balancing Human Rights and the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Border Security in Africa

In a continent marked by its historical pursuit of secure borders, Africa now stands at a pivotal juncture, transitioning from traditional physical barriers to harnessing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. This transformation signifies the continent’s unwavering commitment to efficiency and innovation, yet it unveils a formidable challenge – striking a harmonious balance between the imperative of security and safeguarding of fundamental human rights and freedoms. The integration of AI in border security, with its utilization of biometric data, facial recognition, iris scanning, and more, has given rise to a host of intricate concerns, including ethical considerations such as transparency and accountability. Privacy emerges as a paramount issue as the data reservoirs amassed at border crossings raise questions about storage, accessibility, and potential misuse. The complexities of personal information management take centre stage, necessitating scrutiny over data handling, security, and safeguards against abuse. Through an examination of historical trends and a detailed analysis of past and present border security practices in Africa, this paper reviews the evolution of strategies and challenges in Africa’s border security. This investigation spotlights the continent’s adoption of AI as a cornerstone in safeguarding its borders. However, it underscores that while advancements are evident, a delicate equilibrium must be achieved. This paper argues that achieving a harmonious balance between bolstering security measures and safeguarding individual rights and freedoms, all within the framework of ethical principles is an attainable endeavor