Best Technological Combination for ID Verification

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Blockchain solutions are based on a time-stamped series of immutable record of data that is managed by cluster of computers not owned by any single entity. Each of these blocks of data (i.e. block) are secured and bound to each other using cryptographic principles (i.e. chain), according to blockgeeks.com.

Innovation has become a synonym of the blockchain, as it helps create new technologies in various fields. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that it was looking for blockchain solutions that can help prevent forgery of digital documents, in order to serve the mission needs of various programs under its aegis, among them the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Now, blockchain is also believed to be implemented in travel security. Facial comparison and biometric data combined with blockchain technology could revolutionize travel security, claims Sikina Hasham, program manager at the CBP agency.

If governments are to implement blockchain, rather than legacy databases, to share data within key security areas such as border control, robust standards for the industry would thus be a crucial enabling factor, according to cointelegraph.com.

“One area we’ve seen a significant amount of success in is facial comparison and biometric data. There is a service we’ve created to verify who an individual boarding an aircraft who is as they’re seeking admission into the United States. If we could have more data for the verification from another government party, that would be really great for us.” However, there is still the challenge of developing standardized specifications for communication between multiple organizations’ blockchain systems.

The CBP has already been trialing a blockchain shipment tracking system to gauge how much the technology is able to enhance the verification process for certificates of origin from various free trade agreement partners.

The coupling of blockchain with biometrics is meanwhile being developed across diverse applications, including municipal elections, secure ATMs, and Internet of Things biometric devices in the healthcare sector.