Travellers would be able to use facial recognition technology to identify themselves through their smartphones when crossing the border under a planned federal project.
The Canada Border Services Agency says the initiative would allow for a faster and more seamless travel experience.
The federal government recently issued a notice seeking technical solutions from possible vendors, an opportunity worth up to US$25 million.
The system would match a photo from a traveller’s passport with a selfie taken via a mobile device.
A pilot project is still two to four years away, but an Ottawa-based civil liberties coalition is already flagging concerns about privacy and accountability.
The border agency says it ensures the privacy of travellers and their information is protected at all times.
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