New ABIS for Biometric Passport Issuance in Ecuador
To meet identity verification standards, the government of Ecuador initiated a project to modernize its identification system with the replacement of its legacy AFIS, which did not meet preconditions for issuing electronic passports.
The new centralized system for issuance of identity documents and passports needed to be integrated with with the civil registry. The new system had to allow for biometric validation of identity using fingerprint and face and to electronically encode or record biometric data on the electronic passport chip. The biometric data needed to be in line with the regulations and requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which was part of the European Union’s conditions for Ecuador to gain free access to the Schengen zone.
Old passport system did not allow for biometric validation of identity
Big concern was related to the migration of demographic, biometric and and other data from the legacy systems
Two different systems needed for issuing of electronic identity documents and electronic biometric passports
Due to paralyzed international travel, the meetings, consultations and installations to be carried out remotely.
Together with Innovatrics ABIS, software tools for enrollment were delivered to facilitate fingerprint and facial photo capture. They help with image compliance evaluation, fully corresponding to the requirements set by ISO standards and ICAO specifications, as well as to correctly capture fingerprints including fingerprint segmentation and quality assessment in accordance to international standards (NFIQ).
Forming a tried-and-tested consortium with GSI Setracen and Veridos Mexico, the project took off despite the global pandemic which has paralyzed international travel, rendering meetings, consultations and installations to be carried out remotely. Innovatrics Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) was deployed, which allowed the seamless migration of 13.7 million records from the legacy databases into an easily accessible and centralized one. On top of large scale fingerprint identification, Facial Identification Module was integrated into the new solution that supports the accurate identification of individuals using the portrait on the biometric passport or ID.
Large scale fingerprint identification and facial identification module was integrated into the new solution.
During pre-tender sales work Innovatrics performed an AFIS database analysis of a sample for the client.
Passport and ID databases were migrated into an easily accessible and centralized one.
The entire solution was delivered and deployed remotely.
With the realization of the project, the government has been successful in advancing Ecuador’s goal to digitize its passport and ID system that benefits its citizens. The government can now issue electronic passports that include biometric data on a chip embedded in the document containing personal information. Ecuador launched its new biometric passports in September 2020 with a ceremony marking the occasion led by President Lenín Moreno at the registry offices of the state identification authority in north Quito.
Ecuador eID and electronic passport now supports biometric fingerprint and facial recognition scanning in line with ICAO requirements. Personal information on the chip consists of basic data such as name, date of birth, country of origin, security data and a color photograph, among other details that will facilitate quick and secure access at various border points around the world. In addition to having a highly secure travel document, the new biometric passports and electronic IDs will allow Ecuadorian citizens to perform electronic signature operations and access public social welfare services in the near future. The issuance of the new e-passport guarantees the safety of each citizen, not only by validating their identity by means of fingerprints, photo and signature, but also by complying with international standards and technical recommendations from specialized organizations.
New passport facilitate quick and secure access at various border points around the world.
Biometric IDs will allow Ecuadorian citizens to perform electronic signature operations.
Robust central ABIS supports biometric fingerprint and facial recognition
“The issuance of this document guarantees the safety of the citizen, not only by validating their identity by means of fingerprints, photo and signature, but it also complies with international standards and technical recommendations” from specialized organizations.”Ministry of Communication of Ecuador
Since the new electronic passport and national ID are machine-readable and contain biometric data, they are extremely difficult to counterfeit.
Software tools for enrollment were delivered to facilitate fingerprint and facial photo capture. They help with image compliance evaluation, fully corresponding to the requirements set by ISO standards and ICAO specifications.
The biometric document fosters the advancement of secure remote identity verification efficiently and conveniently transforming the way public services are delivered between the administration and its citizens.
Our passion for technology brings biometric benefits to millions of people.
