Canada in international partnership for digital travel ID prototype

Canada is working with members of the World Economic Forum and partners to test emerging technologies that facilitate seamless and secure air travel. Canada joins other countries to launch a prototype of the Known Traveller Digital Identity system that includes advanced biometrics, cryptography and distributed ledger technologies. Canada and the Netherlands have agreed to design a proof-of-concept pilot project to demonstrate the benefits of technologies in facilitating cross-border air travel. Testing the prototype is part of an ambitious plan among countries to test seamless and smooth air travel along the different stages -- from departure to destination airports. The system is envisioned to give air travellers more control over the information they share with governments and travel providers. By 2030, it is estimated that international air arrivals will reach 1.8 billion passengers, up 50% from 1.2 billion in 2016. The projected increase is prompting governments and private sector partners to tap into emerging technologies for an integrated solution to address challenges in infrastructure, human resources, travel processing and aviation security.