Eurostar, the high-speed international rail service, plans to introduce SmartCheck, a contactless facial biometric check-in system developed by iProov, at London St. Pancras Station. This advancement raises discussions on whether the convenience of ticketless travel outweighs the potential cybersecurity risks.
While the system aims to streamline gate check-ins and UK exit checks, concerns emerge about the privacy and security implications of facial biometric recognition systems.
Passengers will be able to use the SmartCheck system on their mobile devices to scan identity documentation and verify their face alongside their tickets before travel. The company believes this will save time and eliminate queues for ticket and UK border exit checks, reducing passengers to a single passport check at France’s border instead of two.
iProov assures that personal data will not be shared with third parties and will be deleted within 48 hours of the trip, aligning with GDPR regulations, but experts warn of potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with biometric systems.
Matthew Corwin, Managing Director at Guidepost Solutions, highlights the privacy and cybersecurity risks for users, citing potential breaches, unconsented tracking, and impersonation for illicit activities. While biometric technology is increasingly adopted in ports and airports worldwide, passengers must remain informed about data processing and comply with GDPR regulations.
Simon Newman, CEO of the Cyber Resilience Centre for London, emphasizes the importance of passenger awareness about data handling, acknowledging that while the technology is backed by the UK Government, sensitive personal data captured by any app or third party has the potential to be vulnerable to cyber attacks or breaches.
