RF Design Magazine
RSS    Save to Del.icio.us  Digg This


Security firm enlarges commitment to an airline passenger identity pass system
Feb 21, 2006 12:06 PM 

GE Security's Homeland Protection business, through its wholly-owned subsidiary GE Invision, is making a strategic investment of up to $16 million in Verified Identity Pass Inc. (Verified ID). Verified ID's Clear service is said to be currently the nation's only operational, registered traveler program.

Registered Traveler is part of a recently announced Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vision for developing new solutions that ensure the best use of new technologies and more efficient processes to improve security and facilitate travel and trade.

The Registered Traveler program is intended to accelerate the screening process at participating airports for passengers who voluntarily choose to enroll. The TSA announced last November that by June 2006 private service providers will be allowed to roll out programs at airports around the country similar to the private sector program begun by Verified ID at the Orlando International Airport last July.

Verified ID created the first branded consumer product, Clear, in the voluntary identity credentialing industry. Clear enables the shifting of limited airport security resources away from lower-risk travelers. It is based on the risk-management premise that someone who is pre-screened is less likely to be a threat than someone who isn't.

Clear has been operational since July 19, 2005 at Orlando International Airport. Open to all travelers at a fee of $79.95 per year, enrollees begin an application online at www.flyclear.com and then submit biometric data (fingerprint and iris images) at the ClearSpace enrollment stations in the airport. Once approved by TSA, members use the specially designated ClearLanes upon arrival at the airport's security checkpoints. GE's security business is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the General Electric Company. Verified Identity Pass Inc. was founded in 2003 by journalist and entrepreneur Steven Brill.


RSS    Save to Del.icio.us  Digg This

June Defense
 
Back to Top