The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has urged the implementation of electronic identification and authentication in the aviation sector. CAAV has requested airports and airlines to strictly adhere to this regulation.
On 2 May, CAAV sent a request to various authorities and entities involved in the aviation sector. These included the airport authorities of the northern, central, and southern regions, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, and the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation, among other airlines.
According to CAAV, they referred to Clause 8 of Article 13 in the Government’s Decree No 59/2022/ND-CP, which was issued on 5 September 2022. This clause states that when an individual with an electronic identity (eID) utilises a Level-2 eID account for electronic activities or transactions, it holds the equivalent legal value of presenting physical papers or documents to validate the information contained within that eID account.
To ensure the accuracy of using Level-2 eID accounts in electronic activities or transactions as a replacement for physical documents integrated into eID accounts on the VNeID app, last month, the Ministry of Public Security issued a document announcing an update to the app. The Ministry also provided guidance on how to verify information through the app when conducting administrative procedures. This step was taken to facilitate the smooth transition from paper-based documentation to electronic identification and authentication processes, promoting efficiency and accuracy in administrative procedures.
Following the Ministry of Public Security’s announcement and guidance regarding the update to the VNeID app, the Ministry of Transport further emphasised the importance of compliance. The Ministry demanded that agencies and units provide instructions to their officials, the public, and other relevant stakeholders to adhere to the regulation. In response to this directive, CAAV instructed the parties involved in the aviation sector to implement and enforce the regulation on electronic identification and authentication as per the Ministry’s instructions.
Last month, CAAV announced that a trial of passenger biometric authentication, specifically facial recognition, will be conducted at the check-in desks of Van Don International Airport located in the northern province of Quang Ninh.
The CAAV instructed the airport to implement measures aimed at preventing congestion and effectively managing any situations that may arise during the trial period. Additionally, the airport has been requested to collaborate with relevant agencies and businesses to assess the pilot application’s effectiveness in terms of both aviation security risks and convenience for passengers. Monthly reports regarding the evaluation are to be submitted to the CAAV.
CAAV had previously submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Transport to extend the pilot period of biometric authentication at airports across the country. The CAAV has reported that the trial implementation of facial recognition technology at Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, located in the northern region, has not provided clear evidence of its benefits and drawbacks.
The implementation of facial recognition technology aims to make significant contributions to various aspects, including maintaining social order and security, streamlining check-in procedures by reducing time, and enhancing accuracy. One of the notable advantages is its potential to improve the identification of passengers using counterfeit documents. Additionally, it can aid in the detection of individuals who are on no-fly lists or wanted criminals attempting to cross borders.
