1. GLOBAL DISPATCHES.
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COMPUTER industry , *HIGH technology industries , *TRAVELERS , *BIOMETRY , *PASSPORTS , *SOCCER , *RADIO frequency identification systems - Abstract
This article presents news briefs related to the computer industry. The European Union (EU) and the U.S. government are squabbling over the U.S.-imposed deadline of October 26 for European travelers to carry biometric passports in order to enter the U.S. without a visa. Last month, the EU requested an extension to August 28, 2006, which is when EU member countries expect to have passports that work with facial recognition systems. The U.S. already extended its original 2004 deadline by one year. Negotiations between U.S. and European officials over another deadline extension are continuing, but the dispute raises the possibility of retaliation. The 2.9 million fans who are expected to attend the World Cup soccer tournament in Germany next year will be given tickets sporting an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Organizers say it will be the largest-ever use of RFID at a public event. RFID technology offers a high degree of security, which is required by the German Interior Ministry, and should also help speed up entry at stadium gates.
- Published
- 2005