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Unless you have used the IRIS scanners at airports around the UK, you may think that iris recognition scanners are something from Star Trek or the iconic Minority Report from which many new-fangled hi tech product ideas are being launched from. It is not something that would necessarily come into everyday life but travelers using Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham airport may have come across these security scanning devices when flying. However, following new advances in technology, systems at Manchester and Birmingham have had their eyes closed and put to rest with only London based airports still using them.
Having been in use across the country since 2005, the IRIS device, cleverly named due to its acronym covering the phrase Iris Recognition Immigration System, has been used as a border security unit, scanning the iris of travelers and registering the information against that persons passport as an extra measure to help ensure national security amongst other requirements. The IRIS has been used in conjunction with other recognition systems such as the e-passport which focuses on the facial recognition of UK and EEA travelers and compares with data stored electronically on the passports integrated chip.
Unfortunately, for one reason or another, the hi tech machines have been removed from duty at the two airports, with UKBA stating government reviews as the reason behind the switch off. New technological advances may pave the way for more advanced but similar systems in future, but for now the scanners will only continue to be in use at Heathrow and Gatwick terminals. It certainly wouldn't be uncommon to face an eye scanner en route to the United States as they play an important part in the countries attempts to keep a close eye on those coming in and out, particularly since the terror attacks on New York at 9/11. The government have confirmed that reviews of the technology are in place and that new and more efficient systems are being examined as they look to improve public safety, immigration levels as well as customer service by offering faster, more automated options for travelers.