The Canadian announced that it is collaborating with the World Economic Forum, Accenture, and other partners to test emerging digital technologies and their application to air travel.
The government is working on a Known Traveller Digital Identity prototype, which is working to create the seamless flow of people across borders.
The government will design a proof of concept pilot project between two countries, working with emerging biometrics and distributed ledger technologies to give travellers the ability to share their information with authorities for expedited clearance.
The government is working with the Netherlands to explore opportunities of digital identity systems to engender trust and cooperation between international partners.
“Innovation is key to enhancing global competitiveness, mobility and productivity. Leveraging new technological advancements can support risk-based approaches to public safety and security, making air travel more efficient while improving the travel experience,” said Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau.
The prototype and pilot result from two years of thorough cooperation between public and private sector partners in the World Economic Forum’s Security in Travel Project.
“The use of distributed ledger technology can foster an unprecedented level of trust between governments, businesses and travel providers that becomes stronger over time as more interactions take place across the travel ecosystem,” said Liselotte de Maar, managing director in Accenture’s Travel practice. “The KTDI concept removes friction from travelling while ensuring greater security at each touchpoint, from hotel check-in to border control. By enabling travellers to share their validated identity information through the KTDI, it allows receiving organizations the advantage of knowing in advance with whom they will interact.”
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