The universal adoption of biometric passports will influence eGate implementation which will become the main revenue generator for the global civil and military biometrics market in the near future. In addition, portable devices used by the police and the military will become a common tool in the fight against crime and terrorism. Biometrics is set for almost universal use in the identification of...
The universal adoption of biometric passports will influence eGate implementation which will become the main revenue generator for the global civil and military biometrics market in the near future. In addition, portable devices used by the police and the military will become a common tool in the fight against crime and terrorism. Biometrics is set for almost universal use in the identification of citizens through eGovernment programmes in which eIDs, eDrivers licences, and eHealthcards will be used. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan finds that the market earned revenues of $ 4.494 billion in 2010 and estimates this to reach $14.685 billion in 2019. The research covers key trends related to biometrics within the border control, military, law enforcement and eGovernment verticals. Over the forecast period, the most significant market driver for biometrics will be border control and the implementation of eGates.
"The civil and military biometric market will be highly influenced by the universal adoption of biometric passports," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Krzysztof Rutkowski. "This will pave the way for the adoption of other measures, such as eGates, that will enhance the biometric possession experience."
Large-scale government programmes have been a catalyst in the adoption of biometric passports. Related to this, the adoption of eGates is crucial to ensure that biometric passports yield effective but economical security. eGates may also become a new standard at all international airports.
The events of 9/11 have heightened the focus on security. EU regulation No. 2252/2004 resulted in biometrics being implemented into European Union (EU) passports in 2005. Such measures have also been aimed at controlling illegal immigration. Biometric passports are on their way to being universally adopted; North America and Europe have already led the way, with the rest of the world expected to follow.
While offering several benefits, slow return on investment (ROI) and high initial investment costs are the main restraints to the widespread uptake of biometric technologies. Projects related to universal census or the issuance of eIDs might result in extremely high costs due to sheer volumes. Another crucial aspect restraining the adoption of biometrics are concerns related to privacy as well as lengthy sales cycles in governments.
"While the ROI may not be visible at the very outset, nevertheless, once the technology is in place, faster verification and portable devices will decrease the amount of travel required, which will be beneficial in the long-run," remarks Rutkowski. "Privacy is the main hindrance in biometric government programmes; detractors believe that this type of identity verification can be offensive, distasteful, invasive, or simply embarrassing."
As the market gathers momentum, becoming a recognisable participant will be crucial since the majority of customers are governments.
"Becoming more significant through the acquisition of competitors will not only positively influence a company's market share but will support an enhanced position on the international markets," concludes Rutkowski. "Acquiring a foreign company may decrease the affect of protectionism by certain governments."