The bill on the introduction of a new electronic identity document has been adopted by the Chamber of Federal States of the German parliament. The new document will be smaller in format, and its chip will store the owner's biometric photograph, and if desired, fingerprints.
Access to the biometric data stored on the microchip will only be available to border guards or employees of relevant services when checking personal documents. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, fingerprints will not be available over the Internet.
The new passport will simplify and make more secure the process of online banking and shopping on the Internet. However, this will require spending on a special reading device. If the owner wishes, the electronic passport can be supplied with an electronic signature. This will allow concluding and 'signing' over the Internet, for example, trade contracts or official documents.
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