British firm, De La Rue, is reportedly testing technology that has the potential to produce a paperless passport, stored as a digital version on a smartphone. Security experts have, however, warned that any company pursuing this sort of technology will face serious operational challenges. Among the issues is the need to install new hardware onto the device to ensure that it can securely store the passport. There is also the issue of lost or stolen devices. News emerged that UK firm De La Rue, which is the world’s largest passport producer, is testing tech which would make paperless versions of the travel document a reality for the first time. Alongside this, it is unclear what the user would have to do when they need to upgrade their phone and want to trade-in or sell their handset. The idea behind such an initiative was first proposed by US entrepreneur Elon Musk last year.
British firm, De La Rue, is reportedly testing technology that has the potential to produce a paperless passport, stored as a digital version on a smartphone. Security experts have, however, warned that any company pursuing this sort of technology will face serious operational challenges. Among the issues is the need to install new hardware onto the device to ensure that it can securely store the passport. There is also the issue of lost or stolen devices. Alongside this, it is unclear what the user would have to do when they need to upgrade their phone and want to trade-in or sell their handset. The idea behind such an initiative was first proposed by US entrepreneur Elon Musk last year.