A first for Canada

Latest facial recognition tech rolled out at YVR

TED DAVIS

In a “first” for Canada, a new proprietary line of self-service, biometric-enabled kiosks, called BorderXpress, have been installed at Vancouver International Airport. These have been configured to meet the requirements of the modernized NEXUS program by the Canada Border Service Agency’s (CBSA). The BorderXpress system by Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS) features “tap-and-go” RFID technology and utilizes leading-edge facial recognition software to verify members’ identity. This replaces the old iris recognition technology. “Being able to offer NEXUS members an enhanced and more seamless border clearance process is another big first for us,” said Craig Richmond, president and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority. “I know that the frequent travellers who utilize NEXUS will be pleased with this modernized solution.” YVR introduced 11 next-generation NEXUS kiosks in October. To use the new kiosks, NEXUS members will tap or scan their NEXUS card and will then be photographed to verify their identity using facial recognition technology, before proceeding to a CBSA officer for final inspection. Declarations must be done verbally, to an officer, at a marked area in the customs hall after using the kiosk. This new facial biometric verification system not only gives NEXUS travellers a simplified method of being identified, but also meets the CBSA objective to modernize the NEXUS program – and it supports the CBSA goal to increase efficiencies without compromising security. In addition to YVR, the BorderXpress NEXUS solution has been sold to Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, with deployments scheduled for later this year.