EU gets smart

A regulation scheduled for adoption before the end of the year will see the European Union introducing a uniform version of the resident permit that all 27 member states issue to third-country nationals, says Publictechnology.net.

The new European resident permit will then be rolled out in all member states within a two-year period, following release of the specification. The specification will include two biometric identifiers-a facial image and two fingerprints.

Data stored on the chip integrated into the electronic residence card will be encrypted and can be transmitted either via the contacts on the chip surface or contactlessly. Depending on country-specific requirements, the chip can also incorporate other applications.

Researchers have been testing radio identification tags on cattle to see which frequencies work best, says The Bismarck Tribune.

The animal ID system is aimed at protecting against the spread of disease.

"For low frequency tags, the animals have to be moved individually and restrained to get a 100% reading," said Mick Riesinger, a livestock and biosecurity specialist. "The high frequency allows you to read at a distance from six feet to 20 feet away."

Starting 19 November, Filipinos in Hong Kong will be able to apply for the new machine-readable passport, with the Philippine Consulate office there, says Manila Standard Today.

The new machine-readable passport is equipped with unique security and safety features to combat fraud, identity theft and counterfeiting.

Its main security feature is the hologram laminate, featuring a bar code and the personal details of the bearer that are visible only with the aid of a special decoding lens. The passport is also bound with a thicker security thread to prevent tampering and alteration.