By Steve Ranger, 16 February 2006 10:00
NEWS
Project Iris
Project Iris (Iris Recognition Immigration System) uses iris-scanning technology to identify frequent travellers and speed up their journey through immigration.
The voluntary scheme is aimed at permanent residents, work permit holders, long-term students and frequent business travellers.
Eligible travellers have their iris patterns photographed; the images are then linked to their passport data, their immigration status in the UK and a photograph, and stored securely in a UK Immigration Service database.
After this, passengers are able to use the automated barriers to enter the UK by looking into an iris recognition camera. An electronic record is kept for every arrival via the IRIS automated barrier.
So far, the system is being tested at Heathrow Terminals 2 and 4. Operations at other airports were due to start last year but are now planned to start next month, according to the Home Office.
It is expected that within five years more than a million people will be registered to use the system.
Comments
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1. anonymous
My experience with the IRIS system as installed at present, is dreadful.
If you are carrying luggage it reads the booth having 2 people in and refuses to let you in.
If this is the basis of the new system then we really are in trouble.