Civil rights activists: Digital passports promote surveillance

The world of travel documents is about to change. Digital passports with biometric data are becoming increasingly important. They promise more efficient Border controls and increased Security. But the introduction of this technology also raises questions.

Civil rights activists express concerns about data protection and the Privacy. The Biometric monitoring harbors risks of Mass surveillance. A lively discussion ensues about the balance between Security and civil liberties.

The travel industry sees enormous potential in this innovation. According to statistics, tourism contributed around 2.25 trillion euros to European GDP in 2023. With over 500 million passengers crossing a Schengen border every year, there could be digital passports speed up the processes considerably.

The implementation of digital identities goes beyond passports. In the financial sector, they enable secure online transactions. In the tourism industry, they simplify booking processes. They are also used for age verification and SIM card registrations.

Important findings

• Digital passports promise more efficient Border controls
• Civil rights activists warn of data protection risks
• The travel industry sees great potential in technology
• Digital identities are used across all industries
• A balance between Security and Privacy is required

What are digital passports?

Digital passports, also as Electronic identity documents are revolutionizing the way we travel. Since the introduction of the electronic passport (ePassport) in Germany on November 1, 2005, the Biometrics technology continuously developed.

Definition and characteristics

A digital passport is an ID document with an integrated microchip. This chip stores the passport holder's biometric data. Since 2007, the ePassport in Germany has also contained two Fingerprints. The eID function also enables secure online authentication.

Difference to traditional passports

In contrast to conventional passports, digital passports offer increased protection against forgery. They enable faster Border controls through automated checks. The EU Commission is planning to speed up checks on people at external Schengen borders using digital travel documents.

The introduction of digital passports promises Efficiencybut also raises questions about the Privacy on. A balanced discussion about opportunities and risks is necessary.

Biometric data: An overview

Biometric identification is becoming increasingly important. It uses unique physical characteristics to identify people. But what exactly is biometric data and how is it used?

What is biometric data?

Biometric data are measurable physical characteristics used for identification. They are unique and unchangeable. This makes them particularly valuable for security systems. At the same time, their use also harbors risks.

Frequently used biometric features

The most common biometric methods include:

• Fingerprints
• Face recognition
• Iris scan

Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages. Fingerprints are widely used and accepted. A study by Bitkom shows that 90% of citizens are prepared to make cashless fingerprint payments. The Face recognition is contactless and fast. The Iris scan is considered particularly safe.

The use of biometric data is the subject of controversial debate. On the one hand, they increase security, but on the other, they are very sensitive. In 2015, the European Court of Justice ruled that biometric chips in passports do not violate EU fundamental rights. Nevertheless, the Privacy a challenge for biometric identification.

Advantages of digital passports

Digital passports bring numerous advantages for travelers and authorities. They improve the Efficiency at border controls and increase security in international travel.

Simplified border controls

Digital passports significantly simplify border controls. Biometric data enables fast and reliable identification. This leads to shorter waiting times and an improved Travel comfort for passengers.

Speed and efficiency

The Efficiency in the processing of travelers is increasing considerably. Automated systems can verify biometric data in seconds. This relieves the burden on border authorities and speeds up the entire process.

The increased counterfeit protection of digital passports makes illegal entry more difficult. This helps to improve general security. According to a survey by the digital association Bitkom, 60% of respondents would prefer a digital ID wallet.

"Digital passports are an important step towards modernizing travel. They combine security and convenience for everyone involved."

With the planned Europe-wide introduction of an ID wallet from 2024, the use of digital proof of identity will continue to increase. This promises a new era of efficient and secure travel.

Risks of biometric monitoring

The increasing use of biometric data in travel documents entails considerable risks for the Privacy and the Privacy with it. Since 2007, fingerprints have been stored when passports are issued, and from 2025, biometric passport photos must be taken digitally.

Misuse of personal data

A key problem is the potential misuse of sensitive information. Law enforcement and security authorities have had access to biometric data from ID card authorities since 2017. This significantly increases the risk of identity theft.

An incident in Estonia, in which hackers gained access to almost 300,000 passport photos, highlights the cyber security risks. Such incidents could have serious consequences for those affected, as biometric features cannot be changed.

Tampering and counterfeit protection

Despite advanced technologies, the risk of counterfeiting remains. Researchers have shown that even fingerprints can be copied. This calls into question the protection against counterfeiting and could compromise the reliability of biometric systems.

Data protection experts criticize the expansion of biometric data retrieval as a violation of constitutional and European law. The balance between security and privacy remains a key challenge in the implementation of digital passports.

Civil rights activists raise concerns

The introduction of digital passports has met with criticism from civil rights organizations. They warn of risks to privacy and informational self-determination. Data protection concerns are at the center of the discussion.

Criticism of data protection and privacy

In Germany, people over the age of 16 must have an identity card or passport. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 5000 euros. Critics see this as a compulsion to disclose biometric data.

Issuing authorities may store biometric features for 90 days. This harbors the risk of cyber attacks and data misuse. Civil rights activists fear that fingerprints could end up in police databases on a large scale.

Examples from other countries

The EU border agency Frontex has recorded a decline in the number of forged documents used to enter the EU. Nevertheless, the EU is planning to make the storage of fingerprints and biometric photos on ID cards mandatory. So far, only ten EU states have done so.

EU data protection experts express concerns about the increasing use of biometric data in Europe. They warn against Mass surveillance and demand clear regulations on the use of data. International experience show that biometric databases can be misused for surveillance purposes.

Technological background

Digital passports are a modern development that have been in use in Germany since 2005. They use advanced technologies to improve the security and efficiency of border controls.

How digital passports work

At the heart of a digital passport is a RFID chip. This stores the passport holder's biometric data in encrypted form. The Encryption protects sensitive information from unauthorized access. Special devices read this data contactlessly at border crossings.

Implementation of biometric systems

The implementation of biometric systems requires a complex infrastructure. Biometrics software processes facial images or fingerprints. It compares them with stored data. Powerful algorithms are required for this process.

A safe Database technology forms the backbone of the system. It reliably stores and manages the biometric information. Strict security measures protect this sensitive data from misuse.

• RFID chip for contactless data transmission
• Encryption for the protection of biometric data
• Biometrics software for face and fingerprint recognition
• Safe Database technology for data management

The introduction of digital passports is an important step towards modernizing travel. It improves security and speeds up border controls. At the same time, it requires careful planning and implementation to ensure data protection.

Legal framework in Germany

In Germany, the Passport Act the basis for the use of biometric data in travel documents. It regulates the collection and processing of this sensitive information. At the same time EU regulations play an important role by setting uniform safety standards for the member states.

Current laws and regulations

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets out strict rules for the handling of biometric data. It protects the privacy of citizens and provides clear guidelines for the processing of personal information. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has drawn up a technical guideline for biometrics in government applications, which serves as the basis for certifications.

Planned legislative changes

From May 2025, the scanning of passport photos when applying for ID documents will be replaced by live enrolment. This means a change in the Passport Act and requires new biometric recording systems. In addition, transitional periods are being introduced for various areas of application:

• Passport and ID card system: 18 months from May 1, 2025
• Foreign nationals: 14 months from January 1, 2025

These changes are aimed at increasing security and optimizing processes. At the same time, a possible Biometrics Act which could further specify the legal framework for biometric applications.

Public opinion and discussion

The Public debate on digital passports and biometric data is gaining momentum. Opinion polls show a mixed picture of social acceptance. While many citizens appreciate the increased security, others express concerns about data protection.

Surveys on digital passports

According to a survey by Delta Airlines, only two percent of customers would object to biometric scans. This indicates a high level of acceptance in the travel industry. However, other studies show a more differentiated picture:

Voices of experts and citizens

Expert opinions warn of technical weaknesses and potential for misuse. The Chaos Computer Club is calling for a ban on facial recognition in public spaces. Citizens' initiatives are calling for more transparency in the introduction of biometric systems.

The Social acceptance remains divided. While some see the benefits, others fear an expansion of surveillance. In Switzerland, biometric data will be considered particularly worthy of protection from 2023. This controversial debate will have a significant impact on the future of digital passports.

Alternatives to digital passports

The search for alternatives to digital passports has gathered pace in recent years. Researchers and technology companies are developing innovative solutions that allow more control over personal data and at the same time protect the Travel comfort should increase.

Biometric identity verification without a passport

A promising alternative are Decentralized identity systems on the basis of the Blockchain technology. This Self-Sovereign Identity approaches give users full control over their data. Some airports are already testing biometric systems without centralized data storage.

Technological innovations in flight operations

Contactless technologies for border controls are also being tested. These enable fast and secure identity verification without physical contact. According to a study, 77% of airports are planning to introduce biometric self-service processes by 2024.

These innovations promise a future in which travel will be safer, faster and more privacy-friendly. The challenge is to find the right balance between security, user-friendliness and privacy.

The role of politics

The Digital policy The German government is facing major challenges. On the one hand, digital passports are to Internal security strengthen, on the other hand Civil rights remain protected. The use of biometric data is the subject of intense debate in political decision-making processes.

How is the German government reacting?

The government is planning to extend access to biometric data. The Fourth Bureaucracy Relief Act provides for non-public bodies to also be given access to passport data. The aim is to speed up passenger checks at airports. The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection, Ulrich Kelber, sharply criticizes this plan:

"The government's plans are highly problematic and could set a dangerous precedent."

Possible impact on the population

The new regulation could bring advantages and disadvantages for citizens. On the one hand, the government promises faster check-in at the airport. On the other hand, experts warn of restrictions on privacy. They are particularly critical of the planned data collection at airline counters.

The switch to electronic photos by 2025 is intended to prevent manipulation. The cost of ID cards will remain low by European standards, but will increase by 6 euros for photos at the authorities. Existing documents will remain valid. Politicians must now find a balance between efficiency and data protection.

Conclusion: The future of passports

The future of passports is facing exciting developments. From 2025, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans will be integrated into ID cards in Germany. These Future technologies promise increased security and more efficient border controls.

Balance between security and data protection

The introduction of digital passports raises ethical questions on. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is working on robust security concepts. At the same time, data protection experts are warning of potential risks. The challenge lies in reconciling security and privacy.

Prospects for the coming years

For the future international cooperation indispensable. EU countries have until 2026 to integrate biometric features into passports. Global standards must be developed to ensure compatibility and security. Experts expect increasing acceptance of these technologies, provided that data protection concerns are taken seriously.