First country to use iris scans on ID cards

Mexico became the first country to begin using iris-scanning technology for identity cards on 24 January 2011. The technique uses the fact that the pattern of the iris in a person’s eye is unique and can be identified by looking into a special camera at an immigration control desk. According to Mexican government sources, the procedure is 99 per cent reliable and the ID card will include fingerprints as well as an image of the cardholder’s eye. The new cards will be introduced gradually with a reported 28 million juveniles taking part in the first, two-year stage at cost US$25 million (£15.6 million). Cards for Mexican adults will become available from 2013.