Canada testing ‘digital ID’ system that uses blockchain, biometrics to screen travellers

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Canada testing ‘digital ID’ system that uses blockchain, biometrics to screen travellers

January 28th, 2018

Awake Goy

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Launched at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the “Known Traveller Digital Identity” system aims to exploit an array of emerging technologies including biometrics, blockchain and artificial intelligence to boost cross-border security, reduce the threat of cyber-terrorism and streamline international travel, according to the WEF.

Transport Canada is one of several partners involved in the project, with the others including the likes of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice, INTERPOL, Google, Visa and Hilton Worldwide.

The system aims to empower airport authorities to focus more of their time and energies on scrutinizing high-risk travellers, according to a WEF report on the initiative.

Currently, when a traveller arrives at an international border, they have to quickly and accurately be screened for permission to enter the country, with border officials required to determine their residency or visa status and assess risk factors in a short period of time.