Thales, a renowned provider of ePassport solutions worldwide, has secured a new 10-year contract with the US Government Publishing Office (GPO) to produce the next generation of passport eCovers for the United States.
Passport eCovers are the protective outer shells or covers of electronic passports (ePassports). These eCovers incorporate electronic security technology to enhance the passport's security features.
A person shows the Female gender marker on their current US passport, prior to beginning the process of filling out a passport application with an X gender marker, at their home in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 11, 2022. - It's just a small extra box to tick on an application form, but a huge breakthrough for a non-binary person who on Monday became one of the first Americans to apply for a gender-neutral passport.
They are designed to store and protect the electronically stored data within the passport, including the individual's personal information, biometric data, and digital signature.
The eCovers are made of highly durable materials that provide physical protection to the passport and its embedded electronic components.
By integrating electronic security technology into the cover, the data stored in the passport is safeguarded against alteration or forgery, enhancing the overall security and integrity of the travel document.
US Passport eCovers
Having already supplied over 127 million eCovers and collaborated with the GPO in the past, Thales has been entrusted with the responsibility of delivering secure technology and components for US passport covers.
The GPO, responsible for manufacturing passports and their components on behalf of the Department of State, relies on Thales to ensure the highest level of security for American travelers, government officials, and diplomats.
The integration of electronic security technology into robust passport cover materials provides an additional layer of protection by safeguarding electronically stored data from tampering or counterfeiting.
"Providing citizens, businesses and governments with stronger identity document security is a key mission at Thales," Tony Lo Brutto, Executive Vice President for Thales Identity and Biometric Solutions in North America, said in a press release statement.
"As the global leader in digital security with the most extensive long-term experience for e-covers worldwide, Thales continually offers the most sophisticated solutions for safeguarding personal identities for travel documents."
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Global Tech Provider
Thales, listed on Euronext Paris (HO), is a global technology provider known for investing in advanced fields such as connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies.
Thales covers a wide range of domains, such as defense, aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity, and security. They offer solutions, services, and products that support customers in their important roles, focusing on prioritizing individuals' needs to inform their decision-making process.
Thales's latest contract to produce the new generation of USpassport eCovers underscores the company's position as a trusted provider of secure and technologically advanced solutions.
Through their collaboration with the GPO, Thales aims to contribute to the robustness and integrity of US passport systems, reinforcing the security of identity documents for international travelers and government officials alike.
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