Setting Eyes on Emerging Markets

Latin America is full of untapped potential, despite the fact that the region is battered by the issues of economic crisis, unstable politics and rising crimes.

In terms of the affluent Saudi Arabia, its government allocated ample funds on security technologies, and is especially enthusiastic in sourcing for high-priced biometrics offerings Coupled with the rising demands for enhanced security in oil firms palaces and airports, Saudi Arabia presents players a chance to se their foothold in the marketplace.

On the other hand, although Russia's market size is comparatively; smaller, it is closely following in the footsteps of digitalization of Western nations. Wireless security equipment is one area of which the players can set eyes on. However, vendors are advised to overcome the language barrier to ensure success.

US State Claims a First E-fingerprinting for Gun Buyers

With a quick electronic scan of a fingerprint, gun shop owners in Massachusetts will know immediately if a customer is eligible to buy a weapon, using a system that officials say is the first of its kind in the U.S.

The Massachusetts Instant Record Check System, developed over the past six years with nearly US$7 million in information technology grant money, will be in place in all police departments and gun shops across the state by the middle of this year.

It is currently operating in three shops and about 140 police departments.

The system allows police and gun shop owners to have instant access to updated arrest warrant and restraining order information, which was not readily accessible under the old paperwork-intensive system.

With the system, Massachusetts becomes the first state in the nation with a biometric-based firearms licensee and sales application.

Gun owners have long complained that the process of getting a license is cumbersome and time-consuming, often taking weeks or months.

Previously, police departments had to take a fingerprint manually and paste a photograph onto a license that was much larger than a driver's license.

Own Up or Face a US$1,900 ID Fine

People who fail to tell the U.K. government when they move home will face a fine of up to US$1,900 when the new ID card is phased in from 2008.

Legislation for the first compulsory identity scheme for 50 years, published recently, contains a system of civil penalties for a range of offences, including a refusal to register - which carries a $4,800 fine - and not notifying the authorities of changes in name or address.

As well as civil penalties, there will be tough criminal penalties for misusing or seeking to forge an ID card, with anyone found guilty of tampering with a document risking up to 10 years in prison. Anyone involved in ID card administration who improperly discloses information will face two years.

The cards will be issued automatically to people who are renewing their passports and the details, together with biometric identifiers - such as an iris print - put on a new National Identity Register.

The combined ID card and passport is expected to cost around $164-double the price of a passport today.