Australian airports to get facial recognition system

Airports in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are to get access to cutting edge facial recognition systems following the announcement of AUS$67 million investment.

The technology will be able to scan the faces of those passing through security checks and compare it with information contained within a microchip which in turn is enclosed in the individual's e-passport, reports the Australian.

However, it seems that people who fly to Australia may be able to trick the system.

Following a trial last year, it was revealed that the technology is not as effective when detecting people wearing hats and sunglasses.

Nevertheless, Chris Ellison, the customs minister, has defended the technology. Speaking to the Australian, he said that SmartGate was both speedier and more accurate than other biometric detection systems.

Earlier this year, the Australian government said that it would be investing AUS$61.7 million in SmartGate over a four-year period

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