U.S. Customs and Border Protection is continuing to explore blockchain technology applications. The agency is setting goals of continuing additional tests this year. Blockchain technology provides an advancement for recording a wide range of security related activities for international travelers. This includes customs and trade-related transactions.
The Challenge
For travel security requirements, “The hurdles are still too high” according to the U.S. Customs’ Program Manager, Sikina Hasham. The continuing demands for high speed biometrics and facial recognition for travel has been experiencing a “significant amount of success”. Advancements for travel identification and international customs admissions requires international cooperation. The development of such international agency cooperation and technology deployment takes time. Sharing citizen data with other countries is made using traditional databases. Blockchain applications for travel security in realm will prove its worth. By allowing decentralized, tamper-proof, fast and costless transmission of data in a secure way will improve security systems.
Similarly, recognizing illegal or potentially dangerous people at the airports could be done easier. The use of blockchain for travel security would support the efforts of security personnel. On the other hand, this can set the foundations for new control systems to arise that would make every passenger’s trip smoother and more relaxed.
The U.S. Government’s position
The role of the United States in the modernization and security control in airports is undeniable. U.S. Customs and Border Protection are continuing to establish new rules for entry requirements. It seems then that continuous improvement is a priority for the United States. The agency also recently initiated a blockchain trial for import certificate verification.
But the implementation of blockchain will not be done without finding the right solution. Although they have conducted several pilot programs, there is still a need for privately-held companies to lead the way in terms of mainstream adoption. In addition to this, the lack of a universal sharing platform, where each country supplies data from its citizens to the biometric systems, complicates things even more.
The good news is that there is a clear interest from this section of the American government to adopt new technologies like blockchain and their willingness to partner with start-ups, especially from Silicon Valley, is one of the main signs.
Future Developments
Travel security is just one of the latest areas that can be transformed with the use of the latest signs of progress in biometrics and facial recognition. U.S. Customs and Border Protection are looking to balance the demands for speed, verification and security. The testing and evaluation of blockchain for travel security should eventually result in an agreed upon solution and standard supported by international agencies.
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