External affairs minister S Jaishankar explained how chip-based e-passports will improve security just days after Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced their rollout. The e-passports, according to officials, will ensure smooth passage at immigration checkpoints around the world.

The e-passports, according to Jaishankar, will have multiple layers of security.

“The digital signature which will secure the data will be sent to other countries for recognition purposes,” he told the Lok Sabha on Friday.

“The e-passports will ensure multiple layered security as the data will be on paper like regular passports and also on the verified chips,” the minister added.

According to Hindustan Times’ sister publication Livehindustan, Jaishankar also stated that e-passports will be available in six months.

He stated that the process has begun and that letters of intent (LoIs) for 4.5 crore chips have been issued. “We are confident that within six months of awarding the contract, we will be able to begin the process of issuing e-passports,” the minister stated.

When it comes to data security, Jaishankar explained that it is inserted into the chip using a specific process and then printed using a special printer. According to him, there are several stages to this process.

Jaishankar added that some sample e-passports are being tested to ensure that data theft and skimming can be avoided.

The following are some of the most important aspects of e-passports:

• For enhanced security and convenience, the new passport jacket will include an electronic chip with security-related data encoded on it.

• As part of the advanced security features, applicants’ personal information would be digitally signed and encoded in the passport chip.

• Any tampering with the passport will be detected, resulting in the passport authentication failing.

• The new booklet will be printed in Nashik by India Security Press, and the contactless inlays will be compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

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