News

Sydney Airport expands biometrics use

January 4, 2011

Sydney Airport has expanded its use of facial recognition technology, launching new kiosks and a "SmartGate" to allow international travelers to quickly establish their identities and pass through security, according to a story in Computerworld magazine.

The expansion — four new kiosks and one gate — brings Sydney Airport's total up to 16 kiosks and eight gates and will be available for use by Australian e-passport holders over age 18 and New Zealand e-passport holders.

Travelers wishing to use the gates must first answer basic questions at a kiosk then have their faces scanned at the gates.

These scans are then matched with Customs and Border Protection's passport records. Travelers with correct matches will then be allowed into the country.

Brendan O'Connor, Federal Home Affairs Minister, said the average time to establish a commuter's identity using the technology is 38 seconds.

The use of the SmartGates in Australia has climbed in the past year. In January 2010 about 1 million people had used the biometric technology in Australia. That number is up to 2.7 million, according to O'Connor.

"There's strong demand for SmartGate from passengers, and these new kiosks and gate help meet the increasing desire for non-invasive, efficient and tech-savvy ways to travel," O'Connor said. "The system is easy to use, and it is a safe and convenient alternative for clearing through passport control."

According to O'Connor, since the SmartGates began operating in July 2009 at Sydney International Airport, the number of eligible travelers using SmartGate has increased from 32 to 50 percent. As of January last year 35.5 percent of eligible passengers — those with e-passports — had used the service.