Unexpectedly, smiling is not permitted in passport photos.
Passport images are rarely incredibly attractive due to the strict rules for what is allowed.
Smiling is prohibited, and hair must be pulled back from the face in order for a passport to be considered valid.
The latter was made possible by the UK Passport Service’s 2005 ban on smiling in passport photos.
This is as a result of the new biometric technology in the passport.
If the person smiles, the facial recognition software might not detect that they are smiling.
A Home Office spokesperson told the BBC that “when the mouth is open, it can make it difficult for facial recognition technology to work effectively. ”.
Dan Holliday, a user on Quora, provided the following explanation as to why this isn’t possible: “This is because biometric facial scans typically identify 14–20 points on your face (like the edge of your nose, the corners of your eyes, and your lips), but the position of your face changes those points and may make it difficult to identify who you are.
Since you shouldn’t be frowning or grinning, the biometric system works best when you maintain a neutral expression.
The specifications for passport photos are stated as follows on gov . uk: “In your photo, you must have a neutral expression and your mouth closed. ”.
Biometric technology is an innovative method for extra security measures for traveler screening.
The UK might soon have access to cutting-edge technology that would cut the time it takes to get a passport down to just 15 seconds.
The tactic has already been tested in Australia and the Netherlands.
As 123 people enter the UK, border controls will need to be tightened because Brexit could result in an increase in customs inspections from 90 million to 390 million per year.
Currently, 95 percent of British and EU citizens go through security in under 25 minutes, but non-EU visitors take 45 minutes, placing stress on airports.
The success of Brexit depends on “frictionless” borders, according to Chancellor Philip Hammond.
