National Security Framework of Antarctica (NSF-A)

Article 1 — Purpose & Scope

1.1 This Policy establishes the standard identification process for all persons seeking entry to, or official services within, the NSF-A jurisdiction.

1.2 It defines accepted materials, face-matching procedures, error handling, records, privacy, and enforcement.

1.3 No immigration or tourism exists. Only organisational transfers and duly authorised travellers may present for processing.

Article 2 — Principles

2.1 One person, one identity. Entry is granted only when the live face matches the identity document and the deposited photo-pass.

2.2 Device & record trust. All checks are recorded to Certified Digital Democracy (CDD) using MPSL-attested devices on the Civilian DMZ.

2.3 Domestic compliance only. Foreign formats may be accepted, but only within NSF-A rules; foreign certificates are not substitutes for local authorisation.

Article 3 — Definitions

3.1 Live Face Capture: High-resolution facial image collected at the checkpoint with liveness and anti-spoofing tests.

3.2 Identity Document (ID): Government passport or national ID card valid under the traveller’s jurisdiction, machine-readable, and unexpired.

3.3 Deposited Photo-Pass (“Photopass”): The original enrollment photograph used to apply for the traveller’s current ID (or an officially certified copy) pre-filed or presented physically.

3.4 1:1 Face Match: Algorithmic comparison of Live Face ↔ ID photo and Live Face ↔ Photopass with liveness, image-quality, and tamper checks.

3.5 “Twinning Element” Scan: The combined verification result across multiple captures (live, ID, photopass) used to discharge identity to proceeding.

Article 4 — Accepted Materials (All Mandatory)

4.1 Live Face (captured on site).

4.2 Identity Document (physical original).

4.3 Deposited Photo-Pass (one of):

a) The original enrollment photo submitted for the current ID; or

b) An issuing-authority certified copy; or

c) A sealed digital copy retrieved from the issuer via secure channel.

Good practice: Carry a printed copy of your photopass in your wallet. It greatly improves error resolution when third-party IDs have low-resolution photos.

Article 5 — Standard Process

5.1 Pre-screen: Document authenticity (UV/MRZ/PKI), sanctions/alerts, entry entitlement.

5.2 Capture: Live Face with liveness; collect environmental/quality metrics.

5.3 Match:

1. Step A: Live Face ↔ ID photo (1:1).
2. Step B: Live Face ↔ Photopass (1:1).
3. Step C: Consistency checks (age progression, glasses/headwear rules, pose, illumination).
4. 5.4 Decision:
5. Pass: All thresholds met → Proceed.
6. Inconclusive: Follow Article 6 (Error Handling).
7. Fail: See Article 7 (Denial).

Article 6 — Error Handling & Software Exceptions

6.1 Low-Resolution ID Photos (frequent third-party issue).

a) Elevate Photopass as the primary comparator.

b) Re-capture Live Face at high resolution, neutral lighting, no hats/sunglasses; allow a second attempt.

c) Apply age-progression and quality-compensation models where permitted.

d) If still inconclusive, escalate to supervisor review with side-by-side visual validation.

6.2 Medical/Religious Variations. Temporarily remove non-essential face coverings; where not possible, use approved adjustment protocols (Article 3.4 still required).

6.3 System Faults. If device or network fails, re-route to a redundant, MPSL-attested station. All attempts are logged; no offline manual overrides.

6.4 Time-box. Total secondary processing should complete within the published SLA; unresolved after SLA → Article 7 applies.

Article 7 — Denial & Return

7.1 Mismatch rule. If facial identification does not match the person on the ID and Photopass after Article 6 steps, entry is refused.

7.2 Outcome. Traveller is returned to origin or transferred to sponsoring organisation for removal on the next lawful conveyance.

7.3 Record. Decision, images (hashed), and reasons are stored in CDD with a machine-readable notice.

Article 8 — Appeals & Re-Presentation

8.1 Immediate appeal is not available at the checkpoint.

8.2 Re-presentation may occur with improved materials (e.g., certified photopass, renewed ID with higher-resolution photo, medical explanation) through the sponsoring organisation.

8.3 Review requests are filed within 15 working days; evidence is assessed by an independent panel. Travel is not authorised until approval.

Article 9 — Data Protection & Retention

9.1 Minimisation. Only the images and metadata required to reach a decision are retained.

9.2 Security. All devices are MPSL-attested; data moves on the Civilian DMZ; records are hashed and access-logged.

9.3 Retention. Pass cases: minimum lawful period; Denied cases: longer retention for audit/appeal.

9.4 Sharing. No external sharing except under lawful requests or safety imperatives.

Article 10 — Conduct & Prohibitions

10.1 No proxy check-ins, no “photos on phones” as substitutes for official documents, no face-altering filters, and no obstructive wear beyond what Article 6 permits.

10.2 Present yourself without hats/sunglasses; maintain neutral expression for capture.

10.3 False documents, tampering, or identity fraud → seizure, referral, and sanctions.

Article 11 — Responsibilities

11.1 Travellers must carry: valid ID, and Photopass (original/certified/secure digital).

11.2 Sponsoring organisations must: pre-file Photopasses where possible, brief travellers on capture rules, and manage removals after denial.

11.3 Officers must: follow the checklist, apply Article 6 rigorously, document reasons, and escalate when required.

Article 12 — Notices & Good Practice (Plain Guidance)

1. Bring the photopass used to apply for your current ID. If your government issued an ID with a low-resolution photo, the photopass often clears the case quickly.
2. Keep a copy in your wallet. If the twinning element scan (combined match) is positive, you’ll be cleared to proceed without delay.
3. If the scan is negative, you will be refused and returned; re-present only when you can provide improved materials.

Article 13 — Entry Points & Technology

13.1 Only designated ports/airfields operate identity stations with redundant capture, liveness, and 1:1 match systems.

13.2 All updates to algorithms undergo fairness, bias, and accuracy testing; versioning is logged in CDD.

Article 14 — Enforcement

14.1 Attempts to bypass identity checks, present substitutes, or coerce officers trigger immediate denial, possible detention, and criminal referral.

14.2 Organisations that repeatedly send unprepared travellers may face sanctions or suspension of transfer privileges.

Contacts

1. Checkpoint Operations: checkpoints@nsf-antarctica.org
2. Sponsoring Organisations (Pre-filing Photopass): sponsors@nsf-antarctica.org
3. Appeals: id-appeals@nsf-antarctica.org
4. Data Protection: privacy@nsf-antarctica.org

If your face, your official ID, and your deposited photopass do not align, we cannot lawfully admit you. Bring the photopass, follow the capture rules, and you’ll move through quickly and safely.

Effective 1 October 2025