OMEN
12-25-2007, 09:57 PM
The FBI is embarking on a $US1 billion ($NZ1.3b) project to build the world's largest computer database of biometrics to give the US government more ways to identify people at home and abroad, the Washington Post reported.
The FBI has already started compiling digital images of faces, fingerprints and palm patterns in its systems, the paper said.
In January, the intelligence agency - which focuses on violations of US law, espionage by foreigners and terrorist activities - expects to award a 10-year contract to expand the amount and kinds of biometric information it receives, it said.
At an employer's request, the FBI will also retain the fingerprints of employees who have undergone criminal background checks, the paper said.
If successful, the system, called Next Generation Identification, will collect the biometric information in one place for identification and forensic purposes, the Post said.
Reuters
The FBI has already started compiling digital images of faces, fingerprints and palm patterns in its systems, the paper said.
In January, the intelligence agency - which focuses on violations of US law, espionage by foreigners and terrorist activities - expects to award a 10-year contract to expand the amount and kinds of biometric information it receives, it said.
At an employer's request, the FBI will also retain the fingerprints of employees who have undergone criminal background checks, the paper said.
If successful, the system, called Next Generation Identification, will collect the biometric information in one place for identification and forensic purposes, the Post said.
Reuters