Biometrics and the Access Card

See also information on Photograph, Card Number and Signature.

Facial biometrics is one component of the overall security of the access card system.

Biometrics refers to the process of verifying an individual’s identity using unique or physiological characteristics, such as facial recognition. In the access card system, a person’s photograph will be taken when they apply for a card, and that photograph will have a biometric template derived from it. The biometric template and the photograph will be stored separately in the secure access card system. (See information Photograph, Card Number and Signature.)

Through this process the individual’s biometric attributes are translated through an algorithm into a unique digital record. This process can clearly identify and establish distinguishable features and points of measurement, for example, distance between the eyes, the width of a nose and cheekbone shape, with a very high degree of accuracy.

In March 2007, the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States reported in its evaluation of facial biometric technology a 99 per cent success rate in the verification performance against high resolution images¹.

Facial biometric technologies are becoming the foundation of an extensive range of highly secure identification and personal verification solutions. Facial biometric data matching systems have been implemented across Europe and the United States, and are being used in Australia. The Australian Government has adopted facial recognition technology in order to automate the face to passport check at Australia’s international airports.

Called ‘SmartGate’, the project is an example of how facial recognition technology is being implemented successfully for the Australian public.

Facial biometrics has been successfully used to identify and eliminate false identities in the systems in which they operate.

The use of biometric technology will enhance the security aspects of the access card, as it is virtually impossible for two people to share the same biometric facial characteristics – including twins. The biometric system will allow the access card system to cross reference and ensure individuals are only registered once.

¹ Face Recognition Vendor Test 2006 and Iris Challenge Evaluation 2006 Large-Scale Results, March 2007; NISTIR 7408; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg, MD 20899; pp 5-6

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