Biometric Data

Home Department written question – answered at on 18 April 2006.

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Photo of Ben Wallace Ben Wallace Conservative, Lancaster and Wyre

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what health and safety studies have been carried out on the long-term effects of iris scans conducted as part of biometric data collection.

Photo of Andy Burnham Andy Burnham Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

It is envisaged that iris scans for the National Identity Register will be recorded on application to register and then once every 10 years as individuals renew their passport and/or identity card.

The Identity Cards Programme has sought advice with regard to the health and safety aspects of iris scanning. This advice suggests that no long term effects arise from iris scanning as planned by the Identity Card Scheme. For instance, the amount of infrared light that iris scanners emit is very small and is of a level far smaller than many everyday appliances, such as desk lamps.

In addition, iris cameras for consumer use require CE health and safety certification before they can be sold. Thus, such technologies are tested against agreed EU health and safety standards.

As part of the implementation of the Identity Cards Programme, the Identity Cards Scheme will be designed to comply with all relevant health and safety standards.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes7 people think so

No4 people think not

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