Most nations have already implemented or are in the process of implementing ID card program for their citizens. As a minimum, countries are implementing biometric and RFID-enabled passports to control people crossing their borders. On the other extreme, countries like Malaysia are issuing multi-functional ID cards for everyone over twelve years of age. CNET News article says that the Malaysia ID card “… stores thumbprints, a digital photo and basic information on the cardholder, including religion for the major ethnic group, the Malays. But the card also serves as a driver’s license, passport and, under government plans, the national health card. And cardholders can use it to pay for purchases, withdraw money from ATMs, cover transit fares, pay road tolls and digitally sign documents on their PCs.” If terrorist attacks continue, we may all soon have ID cards like Malaysia. See Wikipedia for more National Identity Documents.
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Tags: AIT, Biometrics