From the UK Embassy website - <br /><br />Why Biometrics?<br />The increasing threat of identity fraud means we must strengthen security features in passports.<br /><br />The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which sets international standards, chose facial recognition as the primary biometric.<br /><br />The use of biometric information to link a person to a passport can help to counter identity fraud.<br /><br />In practice, biometric verification can be used at border controls and to verify the image on a passport renewal application against images held on record.<br /><br />Biometric information is also used to:<br />•	allow automated immigration checks in the future <br />•	ensure that British citizens can continue to benefit from visa-free travel to the USA <br />•	avoid disadvantaging British passport holders as other countries switch to biometric  passports. <br /><br />How do facial biometrics work?<br />Facial recognition maps various features on the face - for example, the distances between eyes, nose, mouth and ears.<br /><br />The measurements are digitally coded and this can then be used for comparison and verification purposes.<br /><br />Biometric technology is perfectly safe as facial biometrics can be taken from a good quality passport photograph.<br />