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Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coron...etric-plans-in-response-to-covid-19-1.5459521
Canada's border agency urgently developing biometric plans in response to COVID-19
The Canadian Press
Published Monday, June 7, 2021 12:20PM EDT Last Updated Monday, June 7, 2021 6:07PM EDT
OTTAWA -- Canada's border agency has an "urgent need" to hire a global technology firm to help develop a biometric strategy in response to rapidly evolving issues including COVID-19.
The Canada Border Services Agency issued a notice of procurement Monday inviting 15 firms to submit proposals for immediately setting up an Office of Biometrics and Identity Management.
The agency also wants a strategy and road map for digital solutions using biometric-related technologies to address issues flowing from the pandemic and other priorities.
Biometric information -- a unique identifier such as an iris scan or a fingerprint record -- is considered useful in managing the passage of people across borders, though it also poses privacy risks.
The chosen contractor would help the border agency develop a plan to "manage, evolve and adapt" the use of biometrics while considering its relationship with other federal departments and international partners.
The border agency provided no answers Monday to questions about the plans.
In its latest annual planning document, the agency said it would explore measures to standardize the collection of biometric information on potentially inadmissible travellers to strengthen controls.
It also plans to look at options for greater use of technology that relies on voice recognition and geolocation to confirm the identity and location of people required to report to the agency...
Canada's border agency urgently developing biometric plans in response to COVID-19
The Canadian Press
Published Monday, June 7, 2021 12:20PM EDT Last Updated Monday, June 7, 2021 6:07PM EDT
OTTAWA -- Canada's border agency has an "urgent need" to hire a global technology firm to help develop a biometric strategy in response to rapidly evolving issues including COVID-19.
The Canada Border Services Agency issued a notice of procurement Monday inviting 15 firms to submit proposals for immediately setting up an Office of Biometrics and Identity Management.
The agency also wants a strategy and road map for digital solutions using biometric-related technologies to address issues flowing from the pandemic and other priorities.
Biometric information -- a unique identifier such as an iris scan or a fingerprint record -- is considered useful in managing the passage of people across borders, though it also poses privacy risks.
The chosen contractor would help the border agency develop a plan to "manage, evolve and adapt" the use of biometrics while considering its relationship with other federal departments and international partners.
The border agency provided no answers Monday to questions about the plans.
In its latest annual planning document, the agency said it would explore measures to standardize the collection of biometric information on potentially inadmissible travellers to strengthen controls.
It also plans to look at options for greater use of technology that relies on voice recognition and geolocation to confirm the identity and location of people required to report to the agency...