Security concerns at Manchester Airport over face scanners

UK Border Agency (UKBA) sources have revealed that face scanners in place at Manchester Airport are failing to detect a second person who passes through the scanner at the same time as the first.

The scanning system is set to replace traditional immigration control procedures and is undergoing a “live trial” currently at the Manchester Airport, where a worker with the UKBA commented that it was malfunctioning most days.

“Immigration officers have been able to tailgate passengers through the machine, without the machine picking it up,” he noted.

At the launch of the pilot scheme, nearly seven weeks ago, the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith described the fully-automated system as helping provide a “ring of security” around British borders.

The scanners are meant to replace immigration officers, and work by measuring unique details on the face of the person passing through and then comparing the measurements with those stored on a microchip imbedded in the new British “ePassports.”

Anyone not having the new passport type and foreign travellers, will be processed through traditional channels. The problem with the scanners, however, is raising concerns about whether individuals could bypass the scan completely by sneaking in behind other passengers.

The source of this information went on to say: “This is a massive loophole and a serious problem for security. It should certainly sound an alarm if there are two people trying to come through at the same time. It could lead to widespread immigration abuse and compromise the efficiency of immigration control. One particular concern is that it could be exploited by child traffickers, because it won’t pick up if you have a child on your back.”

Thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

www.manchesterairport.co.uk