Second test for e-passports

This week starts Homeland Security's second test of e-passports, this time at San Francisco, Singapore and Sydney airports, News.com reports. 

"This test provides an important opportunity to work with our international partners...to put in place an e-Passport reader solution by the end of fall of this year," Jim Williams, director of US-VISIT, a Homeland Security program, said in a statement.

The new passports, being carried  by American, Australian and New Zealand citizens  and Singaport Airlines  officials, contain digital photos, biometric information and biographical information. 

The test will be used to gather information to help countries develop their respective electronic passport, the Department of Homeland Security said. The e-passport must comply with the standards issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Previously, the Department of Homeland Security conducted testing at the Los Angeles International Airport and the Sydney Airport, after which it determined further testing was needed.