The constant evolution of digital biometric technologies has given rise to a new era of border control. Centralised digital identity solutions are critical in managing illegal migration, visa over-stayers, and cross-border crime and terrorism.

International border security is vital for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps to prevent illegal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the smuggling of goods across borders. Secondly, it helps control the movement of individuals who threaten national security, such as terrorists or criminals.

Additionally, secure borders are essential for maintaining the sovereignty of a nation and protecting its citizens. A country can become vulnerable to various external threats without effective border security measures.

Digitising identity and travel documents are part of a focus on creating a secure and streamlined process for international travellers. With these biometric identity solutions, travellers can navigate immigration processes quickly and easily without compromising security.

These digital systems store all relevant information in a central database connected to law enforcement databases worldwide. Border control officials access this information via customised identity verification solutions to confirm every person’s eligibility to enter a country.

The European Union is developing the European Digital Identity Wallet, allowing citizens to store their digital identity documents and access various public and private services. This will make it easier to travel through EU borders and provide a secure way to prove people’s identities.

In 2018, the European Union (EU) initiated a modernised Entry/Exit System (EES) to enhance external border controls and manage cross-border crime and terrorism. To support this effort, Laxton was enlisted to develop Identity Registration and Verification systems that would meet the unique requirements of each member country.

With more than 268 million passengers passing through EU ports in 2021, the custom identity software is linked to the central EES database and Europol. This offers several benefits for border control officials and travellers.

• They make verifying a traveller’s identity quicker and more accurate, reducing the time and resources required for manual document checks. This means shorter wait times and a smoother border-crossing experience.
• Centralised digital identity solutions are more secure than traditional paper-based documents. Digital identities can be encrypted and protected with advanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication, making them much harder to forge.
• They offer greater privacy and control for individuals. By storing their identity documents securely in a centralised database, individuals can choose which information to share with border control officials.

Laxton’s bespoke identity technology systems help Member States efficiently manage the growing number of travellers to the EU without increasing the number of border guards. The mobile, intuitive interfaces also make it user-friendly for officials, who often operate in stressful circumstances.

Laxton’s digital identity systems include a range of biometric handhelds, tablets, and desktop devices to cater to every country’s travel requirements and restrictions.
The customisable range of products includes:

• All-in-one multimodal biometric solution Chameleon 8 range
• Chameleon 5 and 7 handhelds
• Chameleon EES Enrolment and Verification Kit
• Self-service Traveller Enrolment Kiosks

The identity enrolment and verification range ensures seamless land, rail, and sea border control. Devices are designed to be robust, rugged, cost-effective, and user-friendly. Every configuration allows for quick setup and operation in any location. Lightweight mobile verification devices can be taken anywhere for accurate identity verification.

However, these initiatives have their challenges. One of the most significant issues is ensuring the central database is secure and protected against cyberattacks. Cybercriminals constantly seek to steal personal information and use it for fraud, such as identity theft and financial fraud. Therefore, safeguarding digital identity information is critical to preventing identity theft and other forms of cybercrime and protecting our fundamental right to privacy.

Businesses and governments collect large amounts of data on individuals, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse. Governments and organisations managing these solutions must invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information.

The bottom line is that centralised digital identity solutions offer a secure and efficient way to manage border control processes. While challenges must be addressed, the benefits far outweigh the risks. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative identity systems emerge, leading to safer and smarter borders for all.