The Economist has an interesting article about the pitfalls of modern 'smart passports' filled with biometric data.
They highlighted a number of deficiencies:
- The data on the passports is unencrypted
- Passports can be read remotely with cheap easy to acquire equipment, making it easier for terrorists to target Americans
- Tests have shown that a significant number of passports do not work with readers
- Biometric data creates a significant amount of false negative tests, creating a larger requirement for further screening
