A Solution to the Identity/Security Problem

- ONE WE CAN LIVE WITH

Current technology enables us to accurately and positively identify individuals by facial pattern or iris scan of the eye. The equipment to do this is expensive, but not prohibitively so. The only real problem seems to be the privacy issue. A unique method will overcome that without stepping on toes.

First, regardless of the system used, a personal identifying card or token combined with a database of the confirming identity information would be necessary. Let’s go with a card like a credit card or driver’s license now in wide use. Let’s also suppose we chose the facial recognition scan method.

Data on the card: Minimum data on the card could be used for identifying the individual only. Name, address, phone number, citizenship and such optional information as the person desired like driver’s license number, social security number blood type, allergies etc. By making these optional, the person would not be forced to provide information that might endanger or challenge privacy. For the sake of avoiding the usual "ID" problem, let’s call the card a "travel card" and make it optional and not compulsory. Read later on how making it optional is the key to its success.

The Facial scan database: We now have the technical capability to develop a database of facial scans which could be used to positively identify anyone, anywhere and under many different conditions. This could be an invaluable aid to all who would need their identity positively proven. Using the same type of communication and equipment similar to the credit card approval system, a person’s identity could be confirmed almost instantly. Let’s run through a scenario at an airport gate.

1. A person steps up to the check in counter and presents their travel card. They face a small camera which enters a facial scan into the system. The system uses the information on the travel card to locate the facial scan in the database and compare it with the new scan. With a match, the person proceeds.

2. Their checked baggage is tagged with an ID that ties it to the individual. After the individual is on the plane the bag is matched to its owner. Carry-on bags are screened as they are now.

3. When the person enters the aircraft another facial scan is taken to confirm their identity and record them as "on the plane." This makes certain that the person who appeared at check in is the same as the one who is on the plane. If the scans of those on the plane do not match those from check in, the plane doesn’t leave.
This same procedure could be used in every instance where positive identity is required. For example: check cashing, money transfers, license applications, hospital check-in, any form of transport, even bars to prevent underage drinking. No borrowed or forged Ids could ever be used.

The OPTIONAL issue: Earlier it was mentioned that there was a value to making the use of the travel card optional - that is not absolutely required by law. Those sticklers for privacy who would insist that such a system, if compulsory, infringed on their individual rights would be technically satisfied. They could simply exercise that right and refuse to participate. The fact that there would be many activities in which they could not participate would not change that fact. They would be unable to fly commercial, obtain a driver’s license, cash a check (except where the establishment chose not to require identity) or obtain a credit card. In short, they would not be able to access anything where positive identity was required of a stranger.

The airline industry would not be required to use the system, but who would fly on any airline that would not? Can you imagine a state that would not require it for licenses of all kinds? Life would be very difficult for those who chose not to participate; difficult, but not impossible. Private transportation would be available, driven by someone else. Cash transactions would still be available without problem. Can you imagine a credit card company that would issue a credit card with out a positive ID? Maybe there would be some, but you can imagine their rates would be astronomical.

How about immigrants or foreign travelers? Passports and positive IDs are required of all who enter the US legally. Cameras at all points of entry could be used to enter a record into the database of every single person who entered the country. These records could be checked instantly against international databases of criminals and terrorists.

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