Airport iris-scanning system makes slow progress

The rollout of an iris scan-based security system for air passengers has been pushed back by the government.

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. These 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.

The system was rolled out at Heathrow Terminals 2 and 4 last year, and according to the Home Office website, deployment to the other Heathrow terminals and to Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Stansted airports was due to follow "during the remainder of 2005".

But the Home Office now says the rollout is expected to move beyond Heathrow "during 2006", with the roll out starting at other airports next month.

The Home Office confirmed to silicon.com that the pilot had been delayed and said: "During initial confidence testing it became apparent that in some areas the system did not meet Home Office requirements."

The Home Office said these issues have now been resolved.