US airports 'to launch extra security checks'

British travellers flying in and out of the USA will have to undergo compulsory fingerprinting at passport control points from the end of 2008, according to officials.

Michael Jackson of the department of homeland security told the Guardian that the USA is looking to collect more biometric data about everyone entering and leaving the country in a bid to beef up security.

He said that it is unlikely to lead to long queues and would be the responsibility of airlines to carry out at American airports.

The requirement will come as part of a new law introduced in the USA and will not result in a similar procedure taking place at UK airports.

"What we are trying to say is that it's not enough to give biographical data. We will need biometric as well as biographical data," Mr Jackson commented.

Last month, the Home Office announced the rollout of its iris recognition immigration system at Gatwick South, which collects eye scans to increase security controls and potentially reduce queuing time for registered travellers.

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