Kable on Biometrics

From Kable:

Governments are likely to face "cost overrun and system failure" in setting up new identification systems but ID projects will still proliferate, providing business for IT suppliers over the next 10 years, according to a report issued on 27 September 2005....

Over the next few years, some key schemes will focus on facilitating citizens' interaction and access to government information, the report says. These systems include e-job seekers portals, e-learning portals and a telephone number for life.

Kable foresees that the virtual phone number could become part of a personal identification code on an identity card or passport. The number would be stored on public sector records for organisations to use when contacting citizens. Additional digits could be encrypted and used for digital signatures and access to personal data online....