Mexico to become first country to use iris scans on ID cards

01-22-2011 • telegraph.co.uk/news

The documents, which will include the eye's image as well as fingerprints, a photo and signature, will be 99 per cent reliable, according to Felipe Zamora, who is responsible for legal affairs at the Mexican interior ministry. "The legal, technical and financial conditions are ready to start the process of issuing this identity document," Felipe Zamora, responsible for legal affairs at the Mexican Interior Ministry, told journalists Thursday. Critics, including the National Human Rights Commission, have criticised the system, expressing concern that compiling personal data could violate individual rights. The move will be introduced gradually, with some 28 million minors taking part in a first two-year stage, due to cost $25 million (£15.6 million). The cards are due to start for adults from 2013. Iris recognition is increasingly used in airports, controlling access to restricted areas, and prisoner booking and release.

2 Comments in Response to Mexico to become first country to use iris scans on ID cards

Comment by Justen Robertson

Entered on: 1/23/2011 5:45:54 PM

ROFL! 99% reliable, that's rich. So 1 in 100 people will be, what, misidentified? Or there's a 1% chance that a criminal will be able to create fake documents? Yeah, them's real good odds for the state. If I was a betting man I'd put my money on the drug cartels.

Comment by Lucky Red

Entered on: 1/23/2011 1:13:01 PM

Lemme guess: some Amerikan company has kindly stepped up to the plate and is providing those services, right?

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