3M Launches ePassport Readers to Help Detect Travel Document Forgeries; Convenient, Single-Step ePassport Processing Allows Authorities to Focus on Traveler

The easy-to-use 3M ePassport Reader scans and accesses data fromradio frequency identification (RFID) chips embedded inbiometric-enabled and other electronic travel documents. Bordercontrol authorities can focus their attention on travelers whilereaders automatically detect the presence of a document and readdigital information contained in the RFID chip. In a single step,electronic document data may be checked for tampering whiletraditional optical features such as logos, crests, laminates,ultraviolet images and other graphical patterns on the page can beauthenticated. The reader can scan and access data contained in theRFID chip, and it also can be used to write and lock data onto thechip during the document-issuance process.

"Border security is critical as each year more than 110 millionnew or renewed passports are issued around the world," said RichSanders, business manager, 3M Security Systems Division. "Passportsnot only permit entry into a country, they can allow the holder toopen a bank account or get a driver's license, health card or anational identity card. The 3M ePassport Reader has gone through arigorous and extensive Six Sigma launch process. Independentinteroperability trials and comprehensive quality assurance testinghave shown our system is flexible, reliable and robust. It offers astrong method to help identify fake identity documents."

Countries around the world have already begun installing the 3MePassport Reader to read and authenticate the latest generation ofinternational travel documents. Specific country installations areexpected to be announced in the coming months. Currently, more than100 countries are using this or other 3M technology and documentsecurity hardware for their tamper-proof passports.

3M brings more than 30 years of experience, a global presence,technical innovation and a strong customer focus to the securedocument marketplace. Our solutions cover a broad spectrum of enhancedtravel and border security, including document issuance and bordermanagement.

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