The Kingdom of Morocco's national security service (DGSN - Direction Gיnיrale de la Securite Nationale) has awarded Thales a contract to supply a complete system to produce and personalise national identity cards.
This will be the world's first ID system of this scale to be based on contactless smart card technologies. This type of technology ensures maximum document security for a guaranteed lifespan of ten years. This advanced ID system includes both personal details and biometric data and meets new security requirements concerning travel documents and control of migration flows.
The solution comprises ID document production equipment and software, high-security consumables and connectivity with the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which acquires digital fingerprints and compares them with a fingerprint database. Thales has selected the best physical security technologies available, including graphic personalisation from Agfa* and contactless chips. Combined with software security developed by the Group's own experts, these technologies will guarantee the highest possible level of security in all aspects of ID document production.
Local production centres will be operational within twelve months. Thales will manage production for a period of four years, during which around 20 million ID cards will be produced.
"This is a world first, and it confirms Thales' position as a major player in the global market for smart ID cards," said Tim Robinson, Senior Vice President, Thales Security Division. "We're delighted to have gained the trust of the Kingdom of Morocco's national security service by demonstrating our ability to manage, integrate and provide long-term support for innovative ID solutions incorporating the latest technological advances in biometrics and software security."
