epassport

An electronic passport (also called an e-passport or epassport) is a traditional passport that includes an embedded RFID chip containing biometric and biographic data. The chip, in combination with the machine-readable zone, enables automated verification of the holder's identity at border controls and strengthens document security.

Contents: The chip typically stores the data from the passport's data page, such as name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, sex, issue and expiry dates, and issuing authority. It also carries a digital version of the holder's photograph and, in some countries, additional biometrics such as fingerprints or iris data. The data on the chip is linked to the data displayed on the MRZ and to the printed photo.

Security: Access to the chip is protected by cryptographic measures. Basic Access Control (BAC) requires scanning the MRZ to derive a key before the chip responds. More advanced schemes, such as Password-Authenticated Connection Establishment (PACE), Chip Authentication, and Supplemental Access Control (SAC), may be used. The data on the chip is digitally signed by the issuing authority (Passive Authentication) to detect tampering and, in some systems, Active Authentication prevents cloning.

Standards and adoption: e-passports are defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Document 9303, which specifies the data model, security mechanisms, and biometric data formats. Since the mid-2000s, many countries have issued e-passports, often gradually expanding biometric contents and improving border-control interoperability.

Impact and privacy: The electronic chip enables faster border checks and stronger defense against forgery, but it also raises privacy and surveillance concerns. Measures such as BAC/PACE access control and regional interoperability help mitigate risks. Not all passports store the same biometrics; some jurisdictions use only a digital photo, while others include fingerprints or iris data.