Heathrow Airport has extended its iris-scanning
immigration control technology to allow passengers to enter the
country more quickly.
The technology had been used at Heathrow terminals two and four
since last June, and has now been adopted by the busier terminal
one.
Frequent travellers passing through Heathrow terminal one can
use the Iris Recognition Immigration System (Iris) to enter the
country without queuing to see an immigration officer at passport
control.
Travellers who have had their details previously authenticated
by an immigration officer are able to use the system. Registered
users walk up to an automated barrier and simply look into a
camera.
If the system recognises them, they are allowed to walk through
without further checks. The system stores their iris patterns and
passport details.
Immigration minister Tony McNulty said, “It is important that
the UK remains at the forefront of the latest technology in
immigration controls, and the government's commitment to Project
Iris demonstrates this.”
The government’s proposed national ID card scheme, currently
passing through parliament, relies heavily on iris recognition
technology.