A machine learning algorithm will analyze all photos submitted with a passport application to create an authentic and personalized image that most closely resembles the applicant’s facial features. As this new technology helps identify people more accurately, it also provides an easy way for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to verify the applicant’s identity when they travel, making the overall process faster.
According to CBP, technology can also help speed up processing times at the border, which can take up to 10 days in some cases. This can help children apply for their travel passport sooner, leading to a more streamlined trip. Program Manager Clay Simons said, “This new application is a great example of how CBP technology is used to prevent fraud while safeguarding homeland security. It also provides a more personalized experience for the applicant allowing the U.S. to better match the facial features of U.S. citizens with their passport photos.”
The new application results from a partnership between CBP and federal technology provider MorphoTrust USA, which developed and maintained the new technology. The application, available through MorphoTrust’s ePassport Photo Service, will begin to be deployed nationwide at all U.S. passport acceptance facilities starting today.
The new passport application is a part of CBP’s effort to make U.S. passports more secure and allow greater access for those who need the documents most — such as children and those living abroad. The application will help CBP prevent fraud by eliminating the need to re-scan passport applications submitted by travelers after processing them at post offices or other locations where they submit their application directly to CBP.
As this new technology helps identify people more accurately, it also provides an easy way for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to verify the applicant’s identity when they travel, making the overall process faster.
According to CBP, technology can also help speed up processing times at the border, which can take up to 10 days in some cases. This can help children apply for their travel passport sooner, leading to a more streamlined trip. Program Manager Clay Simons said, “This new application is a great example of how CBP technology is used to prevent fraud while safeguarding homeland security. AI passport photo maker, a new machine learning application that ensures the passport application submitted accurately represents the applicant’s facial features, will help better match applicants with their authentic passport photos. This helps CBP safeguard the integrity of our travel documents while making them more effective tools in the fight against child exploitation.”
Things to Consider AI passport photo maker
Most adult applicants will not need to resubmit their photos and can apply as they always have. However, suppose an adult applicant must refrain from using the self-service kiosks and must take their application to a passport acceptance facility. In that case, they may be required to submit a new photo for processing.
Children under age 16 will continue to apply using the DS-11. Still, they will also have the opportunity to take a new photo at the self-service kiosks or in a passport acceptance facility. Parents or legal guardians will ensure that their child’s new photo accurately represents their facial features, so children may be required to take photos multiple times if this is not achieved. Please note: CBP does not accept photos submitted via Facetime, Skype, Snapchat and similar services.
For those who receive a new passport, the passport acceptance facility will verify that the applicant’s facial features are consistent with the photo. The technology will also allow a more accurate capture of the applicant’s facial features, which helps prevent fraud.
Those who need to replace their lost, stolen or damaged passport should apply as they always have. They may be required to submit a new photo if they cannot use the self-service kiosks or are absent during their application’s processing at a passport acceptance facility.
Those who have previously been denied a passport due to failure to meet the standards for a passport photo should apply as they always have, as long as their facial features have not changed significantly. If applicants must resubmit their application because of a change in facial features, they will be required to submit another new photo.
Conclusion
As this new technology helps identify people more accurately, it also provides an easy way for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to verify the applicant’s identity when they travel, making the overall process faster.
According to CBP, technology can also help speed up processing times at the border, which can take up to 10 days in some cases. This can help children apply for their travel passport sooner, leading to a more streamlined trip. Program Manager Clay Simons said, “This new application is a great example of how CBP technology is used to prevent fraud while safeguarding homeland security. It also provides a more personalized experience for the applicant allowing the U.S. to better match the facial features of U.S. citizens with their passport photos.”
Also read about ramneeksidhu