Graphic Security Systems Corporation (GSSC) and F. C. Oberthur (FCO) have teamed to produce the worlds first self-authenticating passport.  It was introduced in the new Belgian passport released on February 1, 2008.

FCO, the French security printer which produces the Belgian passport, has added an optical decoder page in the passport opposite the data page.  When placed over the photo, the decoder page verifies the presence of GSSCs Scrambled Indicia feature hidden in the holders photo.  The Scrambled Indicia feature reveals any fraudulent changes to the photo or information printed on the data page.

"Scrambled Indicia, like all covert features, requires a tool to be checked," said Thomas C. Alasia, president and COO, GSSC.  "Oberthurs innovative production of a decoder page puts the tool right into the hands of passport inspectors anywhere in the world, making this a true first-line-of- defense security feature."

Lars Gabel, director ID/Document Security, GSSC, adds: "Passport fraud is 95% photo substitution.  If you can stop that, you have effectively stopped passport fraud.  The Scrambled Indicia technology has protected millions of passports around the world since 1982. Now, with this self-checking technology FCO and GSSC have made it possible for any inspector to verify the authenticity of the passport on the spot and first-time."

In addition to providing effective protection of passports, GSSCs patented self-authentication technology has tremendous potential for brand protection and other documents where security is a priority such as bank notes.

For more information, please send your e-mails to swm@infothe.com.

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