Although some countries are yet to launch their own ePassports, work is already underway on tapping into the wider potential offered by these complex secure documents.Whether storing new biometric data, increasing the intelligence of border control systems or improving security, the latent potential in the small but powerful chips offers an impressive range of as-yet untried features.The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) New Technologies Working Group (NTWG) is leading efforts to bring these capabilities to fruition through the development of international specifications to support extended ePassport chip functions. Through the Logical Data Structure 2 (LDS2) initiative the ICAO NTWG is examining optional and backwards compatible extensions to the ePassport chip.LDS2 will expand the use of the ePassport through adding new applications that allow for the secure digital storage of travel data, and other information that could facilitate the travel of the holder (additional biometrics). In addition, LDS2 offers enhanced readability, functionality and further protection against counterfeiting.However, given the number of stakeholders, there are potential risks in too rapid a rollout of such capabilities, including interoperability and privacy issues.This is why the LDS2 working group studying the solution has stressed that outreach and managing expectations are vital. The group is currently engaging passport issuing/border control authorities on the value of more e-travel data, how LDS2 could support other systems, and whether advancements to ePassports are premature.It is also working with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and government officials to design and develop technical specifications to support consistent global implementation.Security Document World talked to Justin Ikura, Co-chair of the ICAO NTWG Logical Data Structure 2 (LDS2) Sub-Group and Deputy Director, International Unit, Passport Program Policy, Admissibility Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, about the issue.How important is it that in the future, that states are able to read and write specific travel data onto ePassports during the course of travel?Travel data that is physically added to the ePassport is susceptible to fraud and must be manually inspected by border services officers (BSOs). In a high-traffic, free-flowing environment, BSOs often have to risk manage.Adding this data in electronic form can provide added support and enhances the safety and security of air travel. The ability to read and write data to the ePassport chip also offers additional opportunities to automate controlled access points in airports and in landing halls.Can you describe and dispel the misconceptions that surround debate on next-generation ePassports?The enhanced capabilities of an ePassport have drawn a lot of attention from key stakeholders in the air travel continuum. We have seen a range of reactions to the prospect of a new ePassport technology including smartphone applications and at-home service solutions.The decision was made by ICAO's Traveler Identification Program (TRIP) to limit the application of LDS2 to the reading and recording of e-visas, e-travel stamps and additional biometrics. Further, despite offering some interesting opportunities, the technology would only be available to State officials that have the authorities and appropriate tools to work with the PKI.How important is government outreach by the ICAO NTWG LDS2 Sub-Group, particularly to colleagues in secure documents, to expand understanding of the potential applications for new e-passports?Controlling the messaging around this technology, particularly how it will be used is paramount. Without outreach and engagement, we run the risk of unnecessary investments and issues at the border.This outreach is very important in terms of educating key stakeholders including travel document issuers, border management and industry about the timing of such technology.The ePassport is still a relatively new technology, and there are still many states that have yet to adopt it. LDS2 is still a concept at this stage, and much work needs to be done to figure if and how these documents can be used at the border.What is the best means to ensure smooth progression to the next generation of ePassport and ensure full interoperability compliance?We are not yet at a stage to begin talking about a transition to a new ePassport technology.The LDS2 sub-group has been mandated with developing the international policy and technical foundation to support a fully interoperable international approach.Little would be done to bring States into 'compliance' as the use of the technology will be voluntary.Why has Canada played a key role in the evolution of ePassports and the ICAO PKD?Canada is an active participant in the International Civil Aviation Organization's TRIP and its working groups as we see the value of having an international system that is secure and interoperable.The Standards, specifications and best practices developed and promoted by the organization and its sub-groups not only ensure that air travel is facilitated and secure but also that the travel of Canadians is safe and seamless.While the ICAO PKD is one mechanism to support this objective, it is not the only one. States can also upload and/or use other systems like INTERPOL's SLTD that contribute to improving the safety and facilitation of international travel.

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