News

Facial scan kiosk tightens security at Sydney Airport

January 28, 2003

SYDNEY, Australia -- Australia's Customs Service has introduced a biometric passport checking system called SmartGate at Syndey Airport.

According to iTnews Australia, a customs spokesperson said the walk-through kiosk was tested by Qantas cabin crews before its Jan. 29 roll-out.

SmartGate uses biometric facial recognition and verification technology to compare travelers' faces to the photos in their passports.

The checks are estimated to take less than 10 seconds.

"Electronic verification of a person's identity will improve processing efficiency ... while maintaining Australia's high level of border security," said Senator Chris Ellison, minister for Justice and Customs.

The Customs Service said it may install SmartGates at other Australian airports later this year.