Thu, 2 Sep 2004

New Zealanders Briefed On Biometric Technology & Privacy

Wellington, Thursday, 30 September 2004: 2pm - 5pm Biometrics Institute "Biometrics & Privacy Workshop", Wellington Convention Centre Wellington, Friday, 1 October 2004: 9.00am - 5.00 pm Biometrics Institute "Trans-Tasman Standardisation for Biometrics" Conference, Wellington Convention Centre

Biometrics, the leading edge technology based on unique human identifiers is the key issue at a major conference and workshop to be held in Wellington at the end of September and beginning of October 2004. Passports, communication systems and other day to day services are about to go biometric.

Biometrics provides security and ease of use for computer systems and customer service. It includes DNA, digitised photographs, retina scans, voice recognition, finger scan, and other technologies which use unique human characteristics.

>From 26 October 2005 all newly issued New Zealand passports will need a biometric identifier to continue to meet visa waiver requirements for travel to or through the USA. This is an extension to the original deadline of 26 October 2004. New Zealand plans to meet he 26 October 2005 deadline for getting the microchip into passports

Between 300,000 and 350,000 New Zealand and about 1 million Australian passports are issued each year.

Biometrics is not just a technology of the future but it is a present reality. Biometric technologies are being looked at around the world by social welfare, tax departments and law enforcement.

The Workshop and Conference at the Wellington Convention Centre in New Zealand has been organised by the Biometrics Institute, a high level, not-for-profit organisation established to promote the responsible use of biometrics. The Biometrics Institute's board includes members from NZ Customs, CSIRO, Australian Bankers' Association and Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

The Biometrics Institute conference is about balancing the efficiencies of the technology against privacy issues. Power-packed speakers in positions of responsibility will discuss biometric technologies and privacy issues at this event.

This is an opportunity to see them all in one place at the Biometrics Institute Conference which will be held on the 1 October 2004 at the Wellington Convention Centre. The conference brochure can be downloaded at: http://www.biometricsinstitute.org/bi/conferences_BINZ01102004.htm.

Sagem, the Platinum Sponsor of the Conference, Biometix as the Silver and Biometrics Services as the Bronze Sponsor, are delighted with the interest in the Conference. This is a unique opportunity to look at all the issues raised by biometrics, balancing security and convenience against privacy issues.

This event is a must for every public servant to attend.

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

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