March 17, 2004—Viisage, a provider of advanced technology identity solutions, announced that the United States Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Consular Affairs Office has selected the company’s face recognition technology to help reduce fraud and increase border security through the Diversity Visa Program.
The combined Viisage and ZN Vision technology was selected based on a number of criteria including accuracy, enrollment process, past performance, price and technical support.
One of several visa programs operated by the Department of State, the Diversity Visa Program receives up to 15 million applications from individuals seeking immigration to the United States each year.
The 2005 Diversity Visa Program kicked off on November 1, 2003 when the Department of State began accepting electronic applications for Diversity Visas. Starting February 2004, the Consular Affairs Office will begin using the Viisage solution to check applicant photos for duplicates and possible fraud in applications that were submitted during the 60-day enrollment period from November 1, 2003 through December 30, 2003. For the first time, all Diversity Visa applications were submitted online with a digital photograph of the applicant and their dependents. The Department of State will use Viisage’s technology to perform checks to identify applicants submitting multiple applications. Those found to have submitted multiple applications will be eliminated from consideration for a visa based on their violation of the U.S. law.
Viisage’s identity solutions are assisting departments of corrections, departments of social services, foreign government agencies, and 16 U.S. state departments of motor vehicles in the fight to combat identity theft and fraud. Since 1994, Viisage has delivered technology and professional services for over 2000 installations worldwide.
For more information, contact Viisage.
