New Zealand’s case for biometric expansion targets prevention
30 March, 2009
category: Biometrics, Government
While making their case for a more than $100 million upgrade in biometric technologies, Immigration New Zealand, the country’s immigration agency, stated that had the biometric systems been in place by 2006, the agency would have caught known terrorist and co-conspirator in the 9/11 attacks Rayed Mohammed Abdullah, according to a Stuff.co.nz article.
Further, identity program manager, Aaron Baker worries that the 316 cases of identity fraud that were detected between 2005 and 2008 may be nothing compared to how much fraud is actually going on. He is hopeful that a proper biometric system being in place could ease those worries.
With a new system in place, Baker asserts that the new immigration system would require all visa applications include a biometric sample. Further, enrollment would be available at the New Zealand border for first time visitors with returning visitors checking in via an automated gate. Both systems would be actively checking information given against known terrorists and wanted criminal databases as well as for fraudulent information.
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