The European Commission has launched a pilot project, PopEye, to test biometric gait recognition for monitoring external EU borders. Funded with €3.2 million over three years, the project aims to enhance border security by identifying individuals based on their walking patterns from distances of up to 200 meters. The initiative emphasizes privacy and compliance with EU regulations, potentially improving traveler experiences while streamlining border checks.
On Thursday, a pilot program led by the European Commission, titled the PopEye Project, was initiated to explore biometric ‘gait recognition’ technology for monitoring individuals at the European Union’s external borders. This initiative, funded with a €3.2 million ($3.5 million) grant, is part of a three-year project aimed at enhancing border security through unique identification of people based on their walking patterns. The program is being supported by Horizon Europe, the EU’s funding mechanism for research and innovation, along with TechTransfer from Vrije Universiteit Brussels and the Swiss Idiap research institute. PopEye seeks to develop robust biometric tools, integrating gait recognition with other technologies to facilitate border identification processes from distances of up to 200 meters without requiring individuals to stop. In its design, the PopEye Project draws on a 2021 study conducted by the European Border and Coast Guard agency, Frontex. This comprehensive study assessed various technologies, such as video surveillance and radar systems, to identify individuals based on their gait. Although gait recognition may not be as precise when used in isolation, it can significantly enhance the capabilities of existing biometric methods, particularly when combined with 3-D facial recognition systems for unobtrusive identification at border crossings. Promoters of the project advocate for it as privacy-preserving, asserting that it benefits travelers by minimizing disruption during border checks. According to partners involved, the goal is to improve the overall traveler experience while also boosting the efficiency of border management operations. Furthermore, the program is designed to comply with the EU’s AI Act and General Data Protection Regulation, ensuring the safeguarding of personal data.
The European Union has been exploring biometric technologies as part of its efforts to enhance border security and streamline identification processes for individuals crossing its external borders. The PopEye Project marks a significant step in this initiative, employing gait recognition as a primary method of identification. Unlike traditional biometric systems that often require active participation, gait recognition can identify individuals based on the unique characteristics of their walking patterns, offering a non-intrusive alternative for border monitoring. This technological advancement is vital in addressing the increasing pressures on EU borders while maintaining compliance with stringent privacy regulations.
The launch of the PopEye Project heralds a new phase in biometric border security for the EU, focusing on innovative gait recognition technology. By potentially enabling the identification of individuals from a distance without direct interaction, the initiative aims to enhance security while respecting traveler privacy. The program’s alignment with EU regulatory frameworks further underscores a commitment to responsible technology deployment in sensitive areas such as border security. Overall, the project promises to modernize border crossing procedures, balancing efficiency and privacy.
Original Source: therecord.media
