NXP Semiconductors has announced that the Philippines government has chosen NXP's SmartMX2 secure microcontroller for its modernised ePassports and unified multipurpose identification card (UMID) programme. The ePassports programme aims to enhance national security with secure biometric data, encryption and authentication technology to help reduce document reproduction and identification fraud for approximately 93 million Filipinos.NXP says: "SmartMX products contain the IntegralSecurity architecture with more than 100 security mechanisms ready to support custom-specific electronic forensic features."The new Philippines electronic multipurpose identification cards are based on NXP's SmartMX microcontroller with Javacard operating system (JCOP). The cards, which are issued by social security insurance companies Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance Group (GSIS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG, allow citizens to use one card instead of four to represent their proof of identification for social security, insurance, health programmes and other government services.NXP says: "Filipino ePassports are designed to be highly secure, tamper-resistant and can offer more convenience when crossing borders. The ePassports provide travellers benefits such as automated border clearance or eGates, automated issuance of boarding passes and faster travel arrangement with airlines."The company adds: "The increased need for ePassports is also reflected in the increase of identity fraud and the EU-refugee crisis where some countries are already reacting and implementing new travel requirements with the need of biometric passports to enter a country such as the US.""The Philippines is on its way to establishing a secure identification solution which is key for a stable society and state-of-the art government service," says SÉbastien Clamagirand, senior director and general manager of secure identification solutions at NXP. "NXP is already supporting more than 120 countries such as Brazil, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Nigeria and US for a secure and convenient government scheme."NXP will be exhibiting at SDW 2017 – 26-28 June 2017 in London, UK. SDW is a world-leading conference and exhibition event for those in the identity marketplace, focusing on intrinsic document security including the latest innovations in design, production and use.Free exhibition entry | Buy conference pass
Philippines opts for NXP
