Expert clones 'secure' passports

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A computer researcher cloned the chips on two passports and implanted digital images of Osama bin Laden and a suicide bomber, according to The Times.

The chips were then recognised as genuine by the passport reader software used at airports.

Britain introduced e-passports in March 2006 to combat terrorism and organised crime. Tens of millions of microchipped passports have been issued worldwide.

Jeroen van Beek, from the University of Amsterdam, conducted the tests for the newspaper.

He said: "We're not claiming that terrorists are able to do this to all passports today or that they will be able to do it tomorrow. But it does raise concerns over security that need to be addressed in a more public and open way."

The tests could have implications for the Government's £4 billion identity card scheme, which relies on the same biometric technology. The Times claims they could also undermine claims that 3,000 blank passports stolen last week were worthless because they could not be forged.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We take security and privacy very seriously, which is why the British biometric passport meets international standards as set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and we remain confident that it is one of the most secure passports available.

"Continuing investment in biometric technology and enhanced security measures will help ensure that passport security is maintained now and in the future."