Biometrics are a reliable method of:
- accurately identifying people – significantly reducing cases of mistaken identity, discrimination or racial profiling
- identifying undocumented travellers already present in the territory of the Schengen Area (irregular migrants)
- matching entry and exit data for ‘bona fide’ travellers.
Biometrics can increase security in European countries using the EES by:
- preventing children from going missing or becoming victims of trafficking
- reducing the risk of people being wrongfully apprehended and arrested
- helping fight serious crime and terrorism.
Although collecting biometrics can have an impact on travellers’ privacy, the technology used in the EES ensures that people’s fundamental rights are protected.