The European Commission has announced the launch of the shared biometric matching service (sBMS), a major step towards seamless interoperability. This marks a significant milestone in the EU’s efforts to enhance security, border, and migration management.
The matching service features a powerful search engine capable of performing fingerprint matching and enables facial recognition for the first time. It will contain approximately 400 million biometric templates. The sBMS will greatly improve the precision of identifying and verifying individuals, strengthening the EU’s border security and controls, as well as enhancing the management of visas and asylum applications.
The system is designed to guarantee data security through secure storage and regulated access controls, ensuring that personal data is safe and accessed appropriately.
A key building block of interoperability
This is the first building block of the interoperability framework, delivered by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for technical implementation. The interoperability framework enables EU large-scale information systems in the area of Justice and Home Affairs to work together, enhancing data access for authorities and enabling them to make informed decisions.
The launch of this new service coincides with an adaptation of the Visa Information System (VIS), which is now ready to interoperate with the Entry/Exit System (EES). With the shared biometric matching service going live on 19 May, the EU is taking a major step towards creating a more secure Europe.