Market Trends of Europe Physical Security Industry
The Biometric System Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share
- Biometrics are primarily employed in security systems for secure environments susceptible to theft or essential physical security needs. These systems collect immutable data, such as fingerprints, voice, retinal, facial, and hand signals. Biometric solutions provide more security than other authentication methods, such as passwords or access cards. The utilization of biometric systems in physical security is in demand due to technological advancements and their increasing affordability and dependability.
- For instance, in August 2023, the French authorities ordered 544 kiosks and 250 tablets for the collection of face and fingerprint biometric data from ferry car passengers in response to concerns that queues could arise for UK passengers traveling to France when the European Union's EES (Entry/Exit System) system becomes operational. It also stated that the system could increase the time taken to complete border checks, as passengers must be scanned at digital kiosks to verify their travel documents.
- The government of the United Kingdom is continuing to implement secure biometric immigration control systems. In July 2023, the United Kingdom government implemented new penalties for non-compliance with biometric requirements for digital visas. This amendment ensures that the photographs included in the documents are not too advanced so that face biometrics can be accurately matched. Such adoption of Biometrics Systems will boost the demand for physical security across Europe.
- The utilization of biometrics technology is on the rise, with growing demand across various sectors. In particular, facial recognition is becoming increasingly popular for verifying user identity. For instance, in June 2023, the French Senate voted to approve a proposal for a law on the testing of facial recognition in public areas. This law enabled judicial authorities and intelligence agencies to utilize remote biometric identifiers in public places for three years.
- Biometrics, such as fingerprints and iris recognition, can enhance railway safety by precision verifying the identity of passengers, staff, and contractors. Public expenditure on railways in the United Kingdom amounted to approximately GBP 25.9 billion (USD 31.64 billion) in FY 2022/23, compared to the previous year's GBP 25.8 billion (USD 31.52 billion). Such a rise in railway expenditure will increase the demand for biometrics systems adoption across railway stations in the United Kingdom. Also, it will boost the adoption of other physical security systems in public spaces across Europe.
- In July 2023, Eurostar Group implemented a biometric, contactless check-in system in London St Pancras, the SmartCheck system, which iProov provided. This fast-track service allows Eurostar's Business Premier and Cara Blanche passengers to bypass queues for ticketing and UK exit checks during connections between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
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Germany is Expected to Witness Significant Market Growth
- The demand for physical security systems like video surveillance cameras in Germany is increasing rapidly due to the proliferation of terrorism-related risks in public areas and increasing private sector initiatives to enhance the safety and health of personnel in the workplace. The German government has adopted several measures to strengthen security in the nation, and the implementation of modern surveillance technology has played a prominent role in these efforts.
- The increased number of road traffic fatalities has increased the need for installing video surveillance cameras. Video surveillance cameras can monitor and document traffic incidents, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the causes and trends of accidents.
- According to the Statistische Bundesamt, there were 2,776 fatalities in Germany in 2022, an increase of 2,562 cases from the previous year. The increasing awareness of safety risks caused by accidents is prompting the need for more effective monitoring and prevention measures, which is leading to an increase in the utilization of video surveillance cameras.
- As technology advances and costs decrease, countries recognize the value of investing in AI surveillance cameras to improve their security and safety protocols. For instance, in April 2023, the Monocam, a video camera equipped with AI, was expected to be deployed in the Rhineland-Palatinate region. It can detect any unusual activity in the car; the recording is stored and transmitted to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation. The system was expected to be tested on two highway bridges in the Land of Rhineland Palatinate, Germany.
- Biometrics can improve airport security by accurately identifying staff and passengers, thus reducing the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access. For instance, in April 2022, Hamburg Airport passengers could access security and boarding checkpoints without needing a boarding pass and smartphone. This measure was due to the introduction of the Star Alliance Biometric Face Field Recognition system, which was implemented following a successful trial period. This innovation made Hamburg Airport the fourth airport to benefit from biometric access. Passengers who register for the system can access all participating airports.
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