Australia pushes US for biometric validation model that keeps fingerprints at home

Australia is pressing the U.S. to accept an identity validation model that would let U.S. border authorities check travelers against Australian records without transferring biometric templates. Talks under the EBSP program are more advanced than previously known, with a U.S. deadline of December 31.

• Talks were held in August and October, disclosed at an Australian Senate hearing
• Washington could confirm identity via document number instead of fingerprints
• A 2014 treaty lets the countries add new identifiers by mutual written consent
• The EBSP deadline for Visa Waiver Program countries is December 31