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With. Until now, fingerprinting in the ID card was optional in this country, but it has been mandatory since 2007 when a new passport was issued. Above all, the European Union wants to put an end to counterfeiting in order to make it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to enter the Union.
Version number: Another security feature
To facilitate this as much as possible for the inspection personnel, the document also has a version number printed on it. This would also make identifying authenticity easier and, above all, faster. Regardless, the EU has been working on the ID card design: the font at the top of the document is no longer black, but blue. European Union flag in the upper left corner. This again contains the German country code.
BMI promises data security
While changes in the appearance of the identity document are not given much attention, experts see the obligation to read fingerprints more important. This is despite the fact that the responsible BMI has always indicated that fingerprints will be deleted “by both the manufacturer and the authorities” after the new ID card is issued and delivered. In addition, only security authorities in EU countries are able to read biometric features “for identification purposes” – and only “if there are doubts about identity after comparing images”.
The study finds the EU target too broad
Study (PDF file)
However, it is very widespread. If the organization has its way, no fingerprint is required if the person’s photo is already available. Moreover, the network upsets the fact that every citizen has to register two fingerprints at the same time. According to the organization, it was also possible to use a fingerprint or iris of the eye, which reduces the risk of abuse.
Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen and the FDP see the risks
Liberation Network Germany (RND)
. He suspects that data collection brings real security gains. Instead, there will be significant risks for citizens: “If data is misused in the wrong hands, it will lead to permanent risks for those affected, because biometric data is practically immutable. […]’, so von Knots. FDP parliamentary group deputy leader Stefan Thomae sees it similarly, describing the additional safety feature as a ‘disproportionate means’.
