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In the near future, there may be “intelligent” passport gates in the UK where travelers can pass through without presenting their passport. This concept may be tested as soon as this year.
The Times reports that Phil Douglas, the director-general of the UK Border Force, has set a goal of achieving “significantly smoother facial recognition than what we currently have.”
The objective is to enhance the existing eGates platform, allowing incoming travelers to keep their passports in their pockets and gain entry into the UK by solely using a camera for identification.
The current eGates system utilizes facial recognition as a means of identification. The facial features of each traveler are compared to the encrypted data stored on their passport. A proposed alternative would rely on a centralized database for identification.
Currently, eGates are accessible to travelers 10 years and older who are either British citizens or citizens of the EU (and other Schengen countries), the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. To use smart gates, the traveler must be registered in a database.
The implementation of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation program will allow eligible travelers to access necessary information.
According to Mr. Douglas, we will have a greater understanding of people at the beginning.
Several nations have already implemented sophisticated facial recognition systems, including Dubai’s international airport which has implemented this technology for certain travelers.
According to Dubai Airports, the Smart Gates can expedite the immigration process in just five seconds.
Families with children who are under the age of 15 and travelers who are shorter than 1.2m are not permitted to use the smart gates in Dubai.
Some airports in Australia also use this technology.
A preliminary test will most likely occur at one airport in the UK with a restricted number of individuals. Afterwards, a bidding process will occur, and the expenses for updating the hundreds of current eGates are estimated to reach tens of millions.
Unfortunately, individuals who were affected by the malfunction of the UK eGates system in May 2023 might be hesitant about suggested improvements. Numerous passengers were forced to wait in long lines for several hours due to a failed upgrade during the late May bank holiday.
Source: independent.co.uk
