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Experts unite on biometrics(Research and Development Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)The International Biometric Advisory Council (IBAC)made up of representatives from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, IBM, White Plains, N.Y., and international security organizationsare banding together to tackle the serious standards issues that could potentially delay widespread use of the technology. Cal Slemp, VP and global leader of security and privacy services at IBM Global Services, says he believes that current efforts are piecemeal and much more can be done to exploit the potential of the federated environment. For its part, the IBAC has taken on the challenge of removing doubt around the implementation of biometrics. The council plans to develop a unified approach to encourage cooperation worldwide, as well as provide the European Biometrics Foundation and its partners with cutting-edge advice regarding standards, interoperability, and privacy issues. Robert Mocny, deputy director of the US-Visit program, the largest biometric-based immigration and border security program in the world, backs calls for an international body to monitor biometric usage. "The IBAC will be an invaluable forum for industry and governments worldwide to understand and respect the responsibility that goes along with the use of biometrics," says Mocny. "The EU is going to start using biometric passports, and other countries will follow. That needs coordinating. We cannot for a minute take this responsibility lightly." Resources International Biometrics Advisory Council , 514-954-48054, www.ibac.org |