NIST Archives

Gov't: Both Fingerprints, Facial Recognition Needed to Protect U.S. Borders

A dual approach that employs both fingerprint and facial recognition technology is the best option for a biometric system that would make the nation’s borders more secure, according to scientists at the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). After studying mature biometric technologies, NIST-in conjunction with the Departments of Justice and State-made the recommendation in a report recently transmitted to Congress. The study was mandated by the PATRIOT Act and the Enhanced Border Security Act.

Gov’t asks public for help in World Trade Center investigation

U.S. government investigators say they need more help from the public and news media in their massive investigation of the September 11 destruction of the World Trade Center towers in New York. Specifically, officials at the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology want more photographs and videotape that could yield insights into what happened to the collapsed WTC buildings, occupants and first responders.