It seems that the state government of USA is now more serious on its RFID passports than before. In the backdrop of mounting pressure for the RFID passports, the government has decided to increase the deadline for public comments on the RFID-enabled passports. According to ZDNet news, the US state government has extended the public comment period on the proposal until Jan 7 next year.
Recently the Smart Card Alliance has come down heavily on the State Department for the RFID passports that tracks the travelers crossing the US borders from Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.
The Smart Card Alliance has insisted the Federal government to introduce the same microprocessor technology used in e-passports. The group argues microprocessors enables for encryption, validation and other security improvements. The radio frequency signals in passports have a shorter range and are therefore less susceptible to interception.
The State Department has explained that the government would issue RF-blocking sleeves to protect the cards and help secure people’s information.
The deputy assistant secretary for consular affairs of the State Department, Frank Moss strongly commented,
There will be all sorts of security features embedded in that card. It will be very difficult to reproduce except in a very sophisticated printing process. We are not talking about drivers’ licenses.
