Despite concerns from privacy groups, the Knesset Science and Technology Committee has approved the ordinances necessary to establish a biometric identification database, reports the Jerusalem Post. The Knesset passed a law allowing for the database in 2009, and the Interior Ministry will begin a two-year pilot of the database in November, the report states. The project allows citizens to voluntarily choose biometric identification cards and passports that include a computer chip containing such information as photos, dates of birth and fingerprints. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel is among the groups opposing the policy due to privacy concerns.
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