New proof-of-concept tests (PoCs) by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that biometric digital IDs can streamline international travel.
The Information Highlighted in the PoCs
The PoCs were conducted in collaboration with various partners across departments in the Asia-Pacific and European regions. Participating partners working in the IATA Strategic Partnerships Program included numerous airports, airlines, governments, and technology providers. With the help of these partners, the PoCs were able to determine that paper identity documentation, for example passports, can be replaced by various carriers of digital travel credentials (DTCs) in mobile wallets, creating a more time-efficient flow of operations at airports.
“We have proven that digital identity for international travel works securely and efficiently. For travelers to benefit from this important modernization, governments must accelerate efforts to issue and accept digital travel credentials (DTCs)—secure digital versions of passports. The result will be stronger security, smoother journeys, and greater efficiency,” said IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh.
The carriers of DTCs that were involved in the PoCs included Apple Wallet’s Digital ID for US passport holders, Google’s ID Pass for both US and UK passport holders, and in addition, multiple national digital identity documentation programs, for example Digi Yatra from India.
The Implications of Implementing the Findings in Practice
The outcome of the PoCs highlighted various benefits for both airports and their customers. One of the benefits was passengers being able to share their DTC information to the airports and airlines ahead of travel, saving both time and effort. The digital identity documentation would be available for passengers to use as biometric identity verification at airports, replacing the need for physical travel documentation, such as passports and boarding passes.
“Secure digital versions of passports—digital travel credentials—will make travel more secure and more efficient. By sharing identity data in advance, checks can be completed earlier, reducing the need for document checks at airports and cutting queues. Industry collaboration has shown digital identity works in practice. The next step is for governments to put the frameworks in place to integrate digital identity into global travel processes,” Walsh said.
In order to implement the findings of the PoCs in real-world scenarios, it will require coordination from various entities as well as governmental authorisation. Governments on a global scale will be required to determine the foundations of DTCs, in a legal, technical, and operational sense, and how this will be implemented in practice.
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