An ICAO Press Release dated 28 May 2003 read:

"The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted a global, harmonized blueprint for the integration of biometric identification information into passports and other Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs). The increased use of biometric-enhanced MRTDs will lead to speedier passage of travellers through airport controls, heightened aviation security and added protection against identity theft.

"Biometrics is a means of identifying a person by biological features unique to an individual, using advanced computerized recognition techniques...

"Facial recognition was selected as the globally interoperable biometric for machine-assisted identity confirmation with MRTDs....

"The ICAO blueprint, set out in technical reports and specifications, will assist all 188 Member States to implement a worldwide, standardized system of identity confirmation. States will have the option of using one or two secondary biometrics to supplement facial recognition for personal identification."

While designed for airport security, biometric authentication will likely be an everyday facet of tomorrow's networked world.

While a country might naturally go along with an interoperable global system for the sake of convenience, Members of ICAO are arguably obliged to do so under Article 22 of the Chicago Convention, which requires signatories to "adopt all practicable measures... to prevent unnecessary delays to aircraft, crews, passengers and cargo, especially in the administration of laws relating to immigration, quarantine, customs and clearance."

This international agreement among governments stands in contrast to the heated debates that have taken place in various countries regarding the potential effects of national electronic identity cards on civil liberties. In other words, while debates drag on domestically, this international system of electronic identity cards is already underway.