Interpol looks to establish universally accepted electronic IDs for travelers

According to TGDaily, Interpol is attempting to introduce an ubiquitous electronic ID card for worldwide travelers, which could replace burdensome verification documents. The comprehensive card will likely include biometric data for each individual, including DNA and fingerprints, which would be uploaded into a global database, the news source adds. According to Third Factor, biometrics show vast potential in the identity verification process. Enabling the technology on mobile devices could take away the need for people to verify their identity at fixed locations. A credential could be stored in the traveler's phone and confirmed via facial recognition, fingerprint or voice. "If countries were to issue work and residence permits in an e-ID format that satisfied common standards internationally, then both the migrant workers and the countries themselves would benefit because efficiencies would improve, security at the national and global level would improve, and corruption would be reduced," Richard Noble, Interpol Secretary General, explained to TGDaily. Noble believes Interpol is the most logical choice to handle e-IDs, since it already helps member countries screen the documents of international air travelers more than 1.5 billion times each year, notes the media outlet.