Eurostar Tests Facial Recognition System On London Train Station (bleepingcomputer.com) 24
An anonymous reader quotes a report from BleepingComputer: Eurostar is testing a new biometric facial recognition technology on passengers traveling from London's St Pancras International station to continental Europe. The passengers will be given the opportunity to complete their pre-departure ticket and passport checks via the new biometric system, called the "SmartCheck" lane. Those who take this option will be allowed to board the train without going through the typically tedious ID verification procedures. The system will involve two facial scans, one at the ticket gate to verify the ticket check and one at the UK Exit Checkpoint, to confirm that the passport information is valid.
The goal, according to Eurostar, is to eliminate queues and expedite the boarding process, not only improving customer satisfaction but also minimizing the chances for viral transmission. The system will be trialed with a limited number of invited passengers and won't involve the UK's or Schengen entry controls. Eurostar announced its intention to introduce a facial recognition system to replace physical tickets and passport checks last year, and facial recognition company iProov helped them build it. iProov is a proponent of what they call "passive authentication", which is facial recognition without the user having to do anything. The user consents to the platform by visiting an online portal to register with their information and takes an image of their face with the smartphone or webcam. When they reach a physical checkpoint, they simply look at the camera, and the system authenticates them effortlessly.
The goal, according to Eurostar, is to eliminate queues and expedite the boarding process, not only improving customer satisfaction but also minimizing the chances for viral transmission. The system will be trialed with a limited number of invited passengers and won't involve the UK's or Schengen entry controls. Eurostar announced its intention to introduce a facial recognition system to replace physical tickets and passport checks last year, and facial recognition company iProov helped them build it. iProov is a proponent of what they call "passive authentication", which is facial recognition without the user having to do anything. The user consents to the platform by visiting an online portal to register with their information and takes an image of their face with the smartphone or webcam. When they reach a physical checkpoint, they simply look at the camera, and the system authenticates them effortlessly.
Just wear (Score:1)
Nope. (Score:2)
If it's like the boarding scanners at BOS and LHR then you're required to unmask for that recognition.
Many a true word written in jest.. (Score:3, Insightful)
From just four days ago: Fertile times for conspiracy theorists [aardvark.co.nz].
"Through the use of AI-based facial recognition systems via this network of cameras, we will be able to instantly verify that you have been vaccinated and are thus able to access the services you require"
Re: (Score:1)
Funny, but the problem now is that the IT guys are losing direct control of these dystopian systems. They are instead controlled by "administrators, executives, spokespersons or political strategists".
Re: (Score:2)
Funny, but the problem now is that the IT guys are losing direct control of these dystopian systems. They are instead controlled by "administrators, executives, spokespersons or political strategists".
All of whom had smug grins when the first AI and bot IT construction and repair systems. The logical conclusion of which is, seeing as all historical social media is recorded, I would like to welcome and thank our generous benevolent AI overlords who, from their ever superior grace and power is our only hope at a future obtained...
Re: (Score:2)
From just four days ago: Fertile times for conspiracy theorists [aardvark.co.nz]. "Through the use of AI-based facial recognition systems via this network of cameras, we will be able to instantly verify that you have been vaccinated and are thus able to access the services you require"
With great power comes great responsibility, unfortunately the more powerful the tool the more actual hard control over how it’s used needs to stay in the people’s general interest and remain democratic. Some people see that much power, especially people with some power already, and it’s just too much to resist using it for personal gain or insane agenda.
Re: (Score:2)
This has actually be in use for years at airports. When you arrive if you have a British passport you can go through the biometric gates, where the queue is usually a lot shorter. You put your passport on an RFID reader and look at a camera that does facial recognition, presumably compared to the photo they have on file from your passport application.
It's a bit janky, often fails to work the first time and doesn't seem to be able to cope with glasses. I use it because why not, they already have my biometric
Re: (Score:2)
This has also been in use for some time at St. Pancras when you want to catch the Eurostar. They didn't have these gates in Brussels, and the queues were often quicker. Last time I was on Eurostar was March 2020, but I imagine they're not as busy at the moment.
Re: (Score:2)
They were probably waiting to see what kind of shitshow brexit turned into, before deciding how to proceed. Obviously UK citizens need to use the non-EU queue now, and data sharing has ended, so if they do upgrade it won't be for us to use.
I get the feeling they are less bothered though, the Eurostar is the only train that isn't operating in Schengen and UK-EU traffic is way down anyway. Commercial stuff has to wait for checks anyway so there just isn't all that much to be gained.
Re: Many a true word written in jest.. (Score:2)
It seems Renfe is still keen to push ahead with their service. Traffic is only down because of Covid. Last time I wanted to get to NRW for work, I flew to Düsseldorf and braved the shitness of DB to complete my journey rather than my normal route on the train via Brussels, as much as I dislike this version of the route. The reason? Didnâ(TM)t want to deal with Belgiumâ(TM)s Covid rules on to of Germanyâ(TM)s and possibly Franceâ(TM)s for amounted to a total of 2 hours and
Face masks (Score:1)
Re: (Score:1)
Oh No! (Score:2)
Passport verification (Score:1)
"Bad teeth. British passport. Checks out."
Just say no to Biometrics (Score:2)
Just be happy that you can change your password.
It's a little harder to change your face or fingerprints.
Re: Just say no to Biometrics (Score:2)
Unless face-off is a documentary, there are easy solutions to handle verifying a face and avoiding certain attempts to fool facial recognition.
This is at an international station (Score:2)
It's probably worth mentioning that this is an international service - Eurostar operates the passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France. The Eurostar platforms at St Pancras International are already much more like an airport than a normal railway station - you have to check in well in advance (at least 30 minutes), and go through security and passport control to get into the departures area. Since you already have to present a passport to be allowed in, I'm not sure that in this
Sounds like Australian SmartGates from 2007 (Score:3)
Queues (Score:2)
The only queue I ever remember at the Eurostar was customs control, and that was before the overt display of national stupidity known as Brexit.
Thomas the tank engine is upset (Score:2)
tedious (Score:2)
Those who take this option will be allowed to board the train without going through the typically tedious ID verification procedures
And the manual process will be made successively more tedious until everyone is forced to use the face ID