Technically, the Next-Generation Identification program (NGI) is an update to the FBI’s national fingerprint database. Government agencies will now start using a person’s face, along with other biometric data like DNA analysis, iris scans, and voice identification, to determine a person’s identity. In other words, if you have a criminal record, the police will no longer simply take your fingerprints and snap a mugshot; they’ll keep a record accurate enough to let them pick you out of crowd anywhere you go.
The program is already operational as a pilot program in select areas, and the FBI says NGI will be ready for use nationally in 2014. As of now, the system is only able to identify suspects with a criminal history, but other types of government photos (like Drivers’ Licenses) could be added to the system by the time it’s fully operational.
Though privacy advocates have indicated that the ability to secretly track people’s movement constitutes a violation of civil liberties, the FBI claims the program is legal under guidelines established by the U.S. Privacy Act. My advice? Start wearing a baseball cap.