The Government of Canada is set to team up with the World Economic Forum and other partners to test new digital technologies to improve security and ensure the smooth flow of legitimate passengers.
As part of the collaboration, the government aims to launch a prototype of Known Traveller Digital Identity system.
The system will be designed to take new digital technologies including advanced biometrics, cryptography and distributed ledger technologies to allow travellers to control and share their information through personal mobile devices.
Travellers will also be able to share the information with governments and travel providers to facilitate and expedite progress from departure to destination airports.
In order to develop the system, the Government of Canada will partner with the Netherlands to design a proof-of-concept pilot project that will explore opportunities to demonstrate the potential of the new digital technologies.
Canada Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains said: “Emerging technologies have astounding potential to transform and enhance the global travel security system.
“The Known Traveller Digital Identity prototype will help enable governments, businesses and travellers to work together to improve security and the seamless flow of people across international borders.”
Canada also seeks to pave the way for a broader roadmap to support the public and private sector leaders to improve the border-crossing experience.
Passenger numbers are expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, representing a 50% increase from the 1.2 billion arrivals recorded in 2016.
