The Morning Briefing: Biometrics, Olympics to ATMs

"The Morning Briefing" is SmartPlanet's daily roundup of must-reads from the web. This morning we're reading about the use of biometrics around the globe.

1.) Biometrics scans required from overseas athletes for 2012 Olympics. Over 10,000 athletes competing at the the 2012 Olympics must submit to fingerprint and face-scans taken by UK officials in an attempt to thwart terrorists or illegal immigrants from evading security at the games this year -- in the biggest operation of its kind.

2.) Iris recognition scheme scrapped at 2 UK airports; more to follow. Two iris-scanning machines are being withdrawn with immediate effect from UK airports Birmingham and Manchester. First described by the UK government as a 'watertight' measure to eliminate fraud and cut waiting times, the schemes have not lived up to this standard. Enrolment schemes have closed and the scanners at Gatwick and Heathrow will be removed after the Olympics.

3.) UC Berkeley suggests biometric I.D. cards may not be the best idea. A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, Law School's Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy indicates that implementing a scheme in the U.S. to make all legal American workers sign up for a biometric identity card would not be the best idea. By using fingerprints or biometric scans, it is hoped that illegal immigration could be prevented. However, UC Berkeley says it would cost at least $45 billion, infringe upon civil liberties, hurt the poor and would not stop illegal employment.

4.) Business launches to supply biometric authentication. Natural Security, a corporation which is part of the Biometrics Alliance Initiative, has announced its launch plans for 2012. It will be offering global payments using biometric recognition technology at Cartes USA and Cartes Asia.

5.) Biometric ATMs launch in Europe. Isbank is upgrading its Turkish ATMs through the use of Hitachi's Finger Vein authentication system. The implementation of approximately 3,4000 ATMs has been completed, and is available for both card and non-card transactions by Isbank customers.

Image credit: Helga Birna Jónasdóttir

Related:

• Heathrow facial recognition technology stalled
• Microsoft develops glucose-monitoring contact lenses
• Goodbye, passwords? New alternatives emerge, but passwords persist
• Wearable sensors collect data on athletes while they play