Blockchain and Biometrics Air Travel System to be Trialled by Canadian Government
When it comes down to air travel, government throughout the world have been constantly trying to make the entire process safer, and less time-consuming for travellers. Now, recent reports indicate that the government of Canada will be launching a Known Traveller Digital Identity system that will implement both biometrics and blockchain technology.
The prototype, which is being developed in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and various partners, was announced over at the WEF’s 48th annual meeting.
The project’s purpose is to enhance identity-checking technology at airports, while also making the verification process faster. By attempting to leverage biometrics and blockchain technology, travellers will be able to share their identity with the authorities prior to arriving at the airport, thus being granted a quicker security clearance.
According to the official release, “Following the launch of a Known Traveller Digital Identity prototype, the Government of Canada will design a proof of concept pilot project between two countries, demonstrating the potential of emerging biometrics and distributed ledger technologies and their impact on facilitating secure and seamless air travel (…) The Government of Canada is proud to be working with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to explore opportunities for demonstrating the potential of digital identity systems to engender trust and cooperation between international partners.”
The system is most likely the result of over two years of cooperation being carried out between private and public sector partners within the WED Security in Travel project.
Canada’s Minister of Transport is also pushing the adoption of the project, following a statement:
"Innovation is key to enhancing global competitiveness, mobility and productivity. Leveraging new technological advancements can support risk-based approaches to public safety and security, making air travel more efficient while improving the travel experience."
Based on everything that has been outlined so far, the biometrics and blockchain-based system will not only make air travel safer, but it will also allow travellers to reduce time spent in airports because of security clearances.