ABC News: Germany Clears Biometric Passports Plan
"Germany's upper house of parliament on Friday approved a plan to introduce passports with biometric data, clearing the way for the country to start issuing the documents in November. The so-called 'ePass' will contain a chip that initially will hold a digital photo of the holder's face. Starting in March 2007, fingerprints also will be stored on the chips. Friday's approval by the opposition-controlled upper house of parliament means that the passports can be issued starting Nov. 1."