Fergie's Tech Blog

Privacy Advocates: Risk is Embedded in Each e-Passport

Kelly Heyboer writes on NJ.com:

When you get your new passport, should you dunk it in a tub of water? Wrap it in tin foil? Microwave it?

Or just smash it with a hammer?

Those are some of the suggestions that have been popping up on Web sites and blogs as the U.S. State Department begins nationwide distribution of new passports with a controversial computer chip embedded in the back cover.

The new travel documents, called e-passports, are being issued to Americans who apply to either renew their passport or receive their first one. They look similar to the old passports, but they have a rectangular symbol printed on the cover indicating they contain a computer chip.

The chip is hidden in the back cover and contains the holder's name, photo, birth date and other vital stats. State Department officials say the chip will improve security and help speed travelers through checkpoints by beaming their personal information to immigration officials' computers when the passports are opened.

But privacy advocates say the wireless chip can be easily hacked by any terrorist or identity thief standing nearby with a chip-reading device.

posted by Fergie @ 4/02/2007 10:44:00 AM