A Quick Look at Smart Cards for ID Applications
By Florence Gras, EuroSmart
Tragic international events have raised interest in implementing more secure personal identification (ID) systems and border controls. Governments all over the world are working on possible solutions to improve the security of all ID documents. Technical meetings are organized on very short notice, under the initiative of global standardization bodies. Under “e-government action plans,” the press relays announcements from governments on secure authentication solutions for 2004 – 2006 nearly every week.
A coherent approach at an international level means harmonized solutions for visa documents and for citizens’ passports. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has created task forces for the coordination of technical solutions in the electronic passports domain.
In this context, the European Union has just adopted new regulations on uniform visa and concerted passport solutions. The future system will have to ensure both the freedom of circulation of citizens in the EU and the security. However, secure solutions must not reduce or endanger the privacy of citizens.
Despite all of the meetings being organized in various places around the globe, the choice for a global solution remains a difficult one. The decision is not only political but the implementation of one technology will also be crucial to guarantee the effective functioning of the system, as well as the trust and security of citizens.
Smart cards are just one choice for use in main identity applications and differ from the electronic label, sticker or laser card. For example, smart card technology can implement all requirements of the ICAO recommendations and offers more security, privacy, durability and capability to develop more services. It is a solid choice if looking for long-term solutions.
Additionally, smart cards associated with biometrics are an ideal technology combination to build cost effective and convenient platforms that meet the requirements of future secure personal ID systems.
Moreover, smart cards are the tools corresponding to the European legislation in force on the protection of personal data and on digital signatures. Recommendation for smart cards in the visa and passport applications by the European community would further support the past and current initiatives aiming at providing security and trust for commercial on-line services, while preserving the citizens’ privacy – and represents a straightforward progress for future development of e-government services.
Smart cards are well perceived by citizens, offering convenience, security, and crucial personal information privacy management features.
In fact, France has announced a national ID smart card with electronic signature function for 2006; and Belgium has already launched an electronic ID card for its citizens. In this context, the European Commission has recently adopted (29 September 2003) an e-government action plan and best practices in order to encourage an interoperability of the various initiatives as citizen portals are becoming more sophisticated by adding electronic identification and electronic payments (raising the question of common standards).