Media: The Register reports on Biometric ID Card Trials in Glasgow

"Biometric ID card trial kicks off in Glasgow" by Lucy Sherriff takes us through the social, political and technological problems that will accompany the Home Office pilot.

Volunteers are having their iris scans, finger prints and facial biometrics recorded as part of a passport service trial that will see them issued with a demonstration smartcard containing all their details.

The trial will assess the practicalities. The Register does it's own wry assessment. For instance: 'Scotland itself is not necessarily fertile territory for the ID card scheme. Whereas UK Home Secretary David Blunkett wants to keep people out, Scotland's population is on the decline, and Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell wants to encourage them to come in. The compromise scheme hatched is for an internal visa. Pass checks at Berwick have not yet been mentioned, but Scotland's devolved executive does not currently intend to require ID for numerous devolved services, so it would probably be helpful to the Home Office for the Glasgow trial to be both successful and popular.'

Associated Link: The Register: Biometric ID card trial kicks off in Glasgow

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