Hey, I’ve got an idea! How about we use insecure technology that can be scanned from 4 meters away for identity documents of primary importance? Huh? Sounds like a great plan, doesn’t it?

As previously reported, the State Department has been struggling with concerns over privacy and security in developing new passports. The struggle has ended, and by “October 2006, all U.S. passports, with the exception of a small number of emergency passports issued by U.S. embassies or consulates, will be electronic passports.” Of course, by “electronic” it is not meant that passports will be paperless, rather the paper will have embedded RFID.

There’s also a requirement that all other countries must use chipped passports as well.

Biometric data is limited to a digitized photograph of the passport holder at this time. The holder’s name, nationality, gender, date of birth, location of birth, are also recorded, as well as information about the passport itself.

Even with anti-skimming material in the passport, a reader still need only get within 10cm of your passport to rip the info.

Sure. This is a good idea. Oh yeah. I can see this turning out well. Definitely.

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