FBI aims for world"s largest biometrics database

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071222/tc_nm/fbi_biometrics_dc

FBI aims for world's largest biometrics database Sat Dec 22, 6:40 AM
ET



WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The FBI is embarking on a $1 billion project to
build the world's largest computer database of biometrics to give the
government more ways to identify people at home and abroad, the
Washington Post reported on Friday.

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The FBI has already started compiling digital images of faces,
fingerprints and palm patterns in its systems, the paper said.

In January, the agency -- which focuses on violations of federal law,
espionage by foreigners and terrorist activities -- expects to award a
10-year contract to expand the amount and kinds of biometric
information it receives, it said.

At an employer's request, the FBI will also retain the fingerprints of
employees who have undergone criminal background checks, the paper
said.

If successful, the system, called Next Generation Identification, will
collect the biometric information in one place for identification and
forensic purposes, the Post said.

(Reporting by Rachelle Younglai; Editing by John O'Callaghan)