India has introduced next-generation biometric electronic passports (e-passports), joining over 120 countries adopting secure, digital travel documents.
What is an E-Passport?
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A passport embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip.
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Stores personal information: name, date of birth, passport number.
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Contains biometric data: facial recognition and fingerprints.
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Uses a digital signature for secure identity verification.
Advanced Security Features
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RFID Chip: Encrypts and protects personal data.
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Basic Access Control (BAC): Limits data access to authorized readers.
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Passive Authentication (PA): Detects tampering or data changes.
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Extended Access Control (EAC): Provides extra protection for biometric details.
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Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Uses digital certificates to verify authenticity.
Key Advantages
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Enhanced Security: Guards against forgery and identity theft.
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Faster Immigration: Speeds up border processing via automated e-gates.
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Global Compatibility: Complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
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Improved Privacy: Residential address is no longer printed, ensuring better data confidentiality.