Homeland Security to test iris scanners

[cory777]

Source: USA Today

WASHINGTON — The Homeland Security Department plans to test futuristic iris scan technology that stores digital images of people's eyes in a database and is considered a quicker alternative to fingerprints.

The department will run a two-week test in October of commercially sold iris scanners at a Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas, where they will be used on illegal immigrants, said Arun Vemury, program manager at the department's Science and Technology branch.

"The test will help us determine how viable this is for potential (department) use in the future," Vemury said.

Iris scanners are little used, but a new generation of cameras that capture images from 6 feet away instead of a few inches has sparked interest from government agencies and financial firms, said Patrick Grother, a National Institute of Standards and Technology computer scientist. The technology also has sparked objections from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/surveillance/2010-09-13-1Airis13_ST_N.htm

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[Poll_Blind]

1. I can't wait till they can scan my iris without me knowing. Oh, wait- they can already do that?!

Sweet

PB

[wtmusic]

2. Easily thwarted with contacts.

Optical recognition has never had a particularly strong track record against anyone who is determined.

[PSPS]

3. I wonder which Cheney/Bush-related company will be chosen for this government contract?

[earcandle]

4. Are they safe? Have they been tested for a while? Or are people gonna have problems in the end?