Iris ID to Enhance the NEXUS Program Using Iris Recognition

New biometrics technology will increase safety and allow for quicker Canada—U.S. crossings

CRANBURY, N.J., and OTTAWA, ON—25 February 2015 Iris ID in collaboration with IBM (NYSE:IBM) announced today that they are providing iris recognition technology to the Canada Border Services Agency’s NEXUS program. Enrolled travelers can now clear customs by simply looking into a camera that uses the eye’s iris as proof of identity.

The biometric technology will improve security and expedite border clearance processes between Canada and the U.S. More than one million pre-approved members of the program will be able to use the authentication process at eight international airports in Canada, 19 land ports of entry, and approximately 430 marine locations. Members also benefit from expedited security screening lines in preclearance areas at dedicated immigration lanes at more than 100 participating U.S. airports.

Charles Koo, CEO and President of Iris ID said, “We are excited to work with IBM to make the enhancements to the NEXUS program. Iris ID’s iCAM 7 Series and IrisAccelerator™ backend matching engine are integral parts of the changes to the Nexus program. Koo added, “A similar system is also being used by Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) across 29 major international airports in Canada for employee identity management and access control.”

The iris-scanning systems enable the validation of the iris-scanning camera, reads the Nexus card, and prints a receipt and other functions.

“IBM is always looking for innovative ways to improve the lives of Canadians so boosting security and reducing time spent in lines at border crossings is something we’re proud to be part of,” said John Fursey, VP and Partner Public Sector Leader Canada. ”

Iris recognition is a superior verification process because a picture of the human iris provides measurement unparalleled by other methods. The unique pattern in the human iris is formed by 10 months of age and remains unchanged throughout one’s lifetime. The probability of two rises producing the same code is nearly impossible and the technology is easily integrated into existing security systems or can operate alone. A distinctive iris pattern is not susceptible to theft, loss or compromise and it is non-invasive. Unlike other biometric technologies, iris recognition is non-contact and quick, offering unmatched accuracy when compared to any other security alternative, from distances as far as six inches to one meter from the eye.
With the enhancements pre-screened, frequent travelers can be identified quickly and allow enforcement activities to be focused on high-risk travelers. For more information about the Nexus program please visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html. For more information about IrisID visit: https://www.irisid.com/irisrecognitiontechnology

About Iris ID Systems
Iris ID Systems, Inc, formerly a division of LG Electronics USA known as LG Iris, has been active in iris recognition research, development and production since 1997. Today, U.S. based Iris ID Systems in a proven global leader in the Iris recognition market. IrisAccess® is the world’s most widely deployed Iris recognition platform, used in thousands of locations authenticating the identities of millions of people. More people look to IrisAccess for iris- and face-based authentication than to all other iris recognition products combined. To find out more about Iris ID visit www.irisid.com.