Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.
Oribi face comparator
- Publication category
- Impactful algorithms
- Impact assessment
- DPIA
- Status
- In use
General information
Theme
Begin date
Contact information
Link to publication website
Responsible use
Goal and impact
The automated document check and face comparator serve three purposes, viz:
1. Establishing the identity of the identity document applicant to prevent identity fraud;
2. Establishing the authenticity of the source documents supplied from the country of origin to prevent forgery;
3. Keeping the information in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) reliable.
If the applications using the algorithm indicate that the person whose identity document and face have been scanned is not the person standing at the counter, the Public Services counter clerk engages a colleague to verify this finding. A number of applications are handled by foreign specialists. These specialists also apply the 'four-eye principle' when in doubt about the document and/or face scan finding. If they come to the conclusion that the finding of the document check and/or face comparator is correct and the identity of the applicant does not match the identity on the source documents and/or photograph, the application for registration in the BRP or the application for an identity document is rejected. This rejection may indicate whether fraud is suspected. In that case, Police and/or Marechausse are called in for further investigation.
The impact is that it increases the reliability of the BRP enrolment process and supports the BRP employee in making identity determination decisions.
Considerations
The deployment of this algorithm helps the BRP employee establish the identity of the citizen at the counter. It increases the reliability of the process and reduces the risk of identity fraud. Documents contain a number of authenticity features that the document scanner can determine more accurately than the human eye. This also applies to checking the biometric features in the face.
Privacy implications and the role of human decision-making in the process were carefully considered when deploying this algorithm.
Human intervention
There is always human intervention. The BRP employee decides whether the facial scan is used and what is done with the result. The employee is ultimately responsible for the decision on identity determination and possible rejection of registration. An additional check is also carried out according to the 4-eye principle.
Risk management
The facial image is recorded in the system only during the identity determination process and is visible only to BRP employees. This reduces the risk of data leakage or manipulation.System performance is regularly evaluated to ensure accuracy.Strict access controls and security measures have been implemented to prevent unauthorised access to the system.Employees are trained in using the system and in recognising potential errors or limitations. In addition, employees are trained in establishing identity and authenticity of identity documents. In the context of due diligence, a 4-eye principle is applied in case of discrepancies and/or doubt.
Legal basis
BRP Act art. 2.67 4th paragraph: Legal obligation to establish proper identity
BRP Decree art.35UAVG art. 29: in the present situation, authentication is necessary admissibility of biometrics for authentication
Links to legal bases
- BRP Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0033715/2025-02-12
- BRP decision: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0034306/2025-01-01
- uAVG: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0033715/2023-10-01#Hoofdstuk2
Link to Processing Index
Impact assessment
Operations
Data
Biometric features in the face and authenticity features on the document.
Technical design
The system uses deep learning and advanced face recognition APIs: C++, Java, Microsoft .NET, BioAPI 2.0 Verification Engine (C API). Documented examples for key use cases and specific implementations. Tools for biometric evaluations, including generation of 'identification match' statements and 'similarity matrix' data.
Technical components include:ID scannerA4 scannerScanserverSmall monitorFacial scanner
The process is as follows:
1. The identity document is scanned.
2. A face scan is made of the person at the counter.
3. The algorithm compares the facial scan with the image from the identity document.
4. The result of the comparison is displayed on the monitor.
5. The BRP officer evaluates the result and makes a decision.Only the result of the scan ('The faces are the same' or 'The faces are not the same') is logged in the BRP system.