Israel to create database of citizens’ biometric information
04 August, 2008
category: Biometrics, Government
In an effort to create a system to curb forged identification papers as well as improve government agency’s abilities to properly identify citizens without proper identification on them the Israeli government has approved a motion calling for biometric passports and a database of biometric information of the Israeli citizens, according to a Y Net News article.
The new passports and ID cards will have smart card chips that contain the users fingerprints and photograph. Officials believe that these new ID cards and the database of biometric information will help not only in stopping forgeries, but also in identifying people amidst disasters.
Despite the motion passing, it was not without objection. Some of the ministers insisted that the new database and biometric cards would impede the right to privacy. Additionally, they are worried about the struggle to keep such a database secure from hackers.
Opponents of the bill include the Israeli Association for the Protection of Privacy and the Association for Civil Rights with current skepticism from the Israeli Bar Association.
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