FBI Expanding Facial-Recognition Database to Include Non-Criminal U.S. Citizens
Nikki Alfonso | | Aug 13, 2014 11:48 PM EDT |
Facial-recognition technology used by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led to the arrest of a professional juggler in Nepal on the run for 14 years. The man was sought for skipping bail on sexual abuse charges.
Street performer Neil Stammer travelled to Nepal eight years ago with a fake passport, using the name Kevin Hodges.
Like Us on Facebook
Using cutting-edge facial-recognition software, a photo on Stammer's fake passport was matched with a wanted poster released by the FBI last January. Stammer, who once operated a magic shop in New Mexico, has been extradited to the United States to face trial.
Facial-recognition software is being used by the FBI to sort through the its wanted posters to quickly compare them with passport photos. The technology, designed by the Diplomatic Security System, was specifically designed to check for passport and visa fraud.
"Diplomatic Security works with our international and federal law enforcement partners to bring fugitives like Stammer home to face justice, said Barry Moore, FBI deputy assistant secretary for domestic operations.
Although fingerprints have long been collected at entry points in the U.S., the collection of more biometric data will soon be part of a traveler's routine.
The FBI is currently focused on creating a facial-recognition database as part of its Next Generation Identification (NGI) program. The agency is also gathering more information on people who travel in and out of the U.S.
Aside from photos, the database also stores iris scans, finger prints and palm prints. From the 16 million images it contained in 2013, the database is capable of storing over 52 million by 2015.
The FBI claims the database and the collection of more biometric data will reduce terrorism and criminal activities.
Civil liberties group Electric Frontier Foundation, however, has concerns that data from non-criminals are being collected as well.
©2015 Chinatopix All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission
EDITOR'S PICKS
-
Did the Trump administration just announce plans for a trade war with ‘hostile’ China and Russia?
-
US Senate passes Taiwan travel bill slammed by China
-
As Yan Sihong’s family grieves, here are other Chinese students who went missing abroad. Some have never been found
-
Beijing blasts Western critics who ‘smear China’ with the term sharp power
-
China Envoy Seeks to Defuse Tensions With U.S. as a Trade War Brews
-
Singapore's Deputy PM Provides Bitcoin Vote of Confidence Amid China's Blanket Bans
-
China warns investors over risks in overseas virtual currency trading
-
Chinese government most trustworthy: survey
-
Kashima Antlers On Course For Back-To-Back Titles
MOST POPULAR
LATEST NEWS
Zhou Yongkang: China's Former Security Chief Sentenced to Life in Prison
China's former Chief of the Ministry of Public Security, Zhou Yongkang, has been given a life sentence after he was found guilty of abusing his office, bribery and deliberately ... Full Article
TRENDING STORY
-
China Pork Prices Expected to Stabilize As The Supplies Recover
-
Elephone P9000 Smartphone is now on Sale on Amazon India
-
There's a Big Chance Cliffhangers Won't Still Be Resolved When Grey's Anatomy Season 13 Returns
-
Supreme Court Ruled on Samsung vs Apple Dispute for Patent Infringement
-
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Rumors and Release Date: What is the Latest?