Ensuring the security of colour personalisation when it comes to passports and other ID documents is paramount. Traditional colour personalisation methods, such as inkjet and laser printing, are increasingly vulnerable to attacks and fraud, leaving governments and organisations exposed to the risks of identity theft, financial fraud and unauthorised access. To combat this growing threat, solutions are being developed to combat identity fraud and protect citizens’ identities by enhancing the security of colour images on polycarbonate documents. The Thales team were recently at Intergraf 2025 to discuss these vulnerabilities and the security solutions designed to combat them.
What are the security challenges when securing polycarbonate personalisation?
Forensic experts have long raised concerns about the security of inkjet-based personalisation, particularly the risk that inkjet images could be removed and reprinted using commercial UV cured inkjet printing equipment, which is readily available at low cost online. This could make it challenging to distinguish between genuine and fake inkjet personalisation.
To investigate this issue, we conducted a demonstration to see how easily an inkjet photo could be substituted and how closely the outcome could resemble genuine personalisation. Our R&D experts discovered a method to remove the inkjet image from a card without causing any damage to the polycarbonate or leaving tamper evidence. A lookalike colour photo of an impostor could then be printed with an inkjet printer or added by other means on top of the genuine laser image. The results were quite impressive, even without using image morphing techniques to better fit the fake image to the genuine laser image.
While we acknowledge that any expert with the right tools and sufficient time would easily spot the fraud, the reality is that expertise, time, and tools are not always available when needed. For instance, a border guard has only 5 to 10 seconds per passenger, and a police officer conducting roadside checks in difficult lighting and weather conditions may only have a flashlight. In such scenarios, spotting the fraud becomes significantly more challenging.
Moreover, consider civilians and non-experts, such as shop cashiers or bartenders at nightclubs checking the age of patrons. For these individuals, detecting such sophisticated fraud attempts is even more difficult.
The risks of compromised ID documents
Compromised ID documents pose significant financial, reputational and operational risks – impacting individuals, businesses and national security alike.
For example, fraudulent IDs can grant access to restricted areas, posing major security risks in industries handling sensitive data, intellectual property, or financial assets. Inadequate verification can lead to insider threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, and legal liabilities.
Then there’s the possibility of identity theft, enabling fraudsters to access financial accounts, open credit lines, and conduct illicit transactions, leading to direct financial losses for businesses processing fraudulent payments. Financial institutions may also face regulatory fines for failing to prevent identity fraud. Businesses that fail to implement rigorous identity verification processes risk non-compliance with regulations like Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML), leading to hefty fines and operational disruptions.
Beyond direct fraud losses, businesses must invest heavily in fraud detection, legal battles, and customer remediation. The cost of investigating fraud, refunding victims, and strengthening security measures can be overwhelming, especially for high-risk industries like banking, e-commerce, and healthcare.
And finally, there’s an erosion of public trust and long lasting reputational damage. High profile fraud cases erode trust in any organisation, not only in terms of revenue, but hinders the organisation’s ability to innovate and enable new technology in the future.
Securing colour personalisation for polycarbonate ID documents
So, how to secure colour photos on polycarbonate documents? Securing the inkjet image can be achieved through various methods, including varnish and UV fluorescent ink approaches. While these techniques certainly add a layer of difficulty for fraudsters, they can potentially be imitated using commercial materials to create a convincing lookalike. Varnish printing, for instance, is already accessible through commercial inkjet printers. Additionally, it’s important to note that UV light, which is crucial for inspecting UV ink, might not always be available in every inspection scenario.
By understanding these limitations, we can better appreciate the need for advanced security features that go beyond conventional methods, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of personalised documents
To combat these vulnerabilities and enhance the security of inkjet images on polycarbonate documents, Thales has developed, Thales Colour Reveal Plus. This technology combines an advanced image processing algorithm with a special surface profile on the polycarbonate document, creating a robust Level 1 security feature.
The key features are:
- Image processing algorithm: The colour image is processed using a specialised algorithm that encodes data into the image. This data is not visible under normal viewing conditions but can be revealed under specific angles and lighting.
- Special surface profile: The polycarbonate document surface is engineered with a unique profile that interacts with the encoded image. This interaction ensures that any attempt to manipulate the inkjet photo will disturb the data reveal effect, making tampering evident.
- Dynamic rolling effect: The feature includes a dynamic rolling effect that cannot be replicated with commercial varnish printing or other overprinting methods. This effect adds an additional layer of security, making it difficult for fraudsters to imitate the genuine document.
How to addresses security concerns
Thales Colour Reveal Plus directly addresses the security concerns associated with inkjet and laser personalisation by preventing fraud through its encoded data and special surface profile, which make it nearly impossible for fraudsters to alter the inkjet image without detection. Additionally, the dynamic rolling effect and hidden data reveal feature enhance inspection, making it easier for authorities to verify the authenticity of the document, even under challenging conditions. By securing the colour image itself, Thales Colour Reveal Plus helps protect citizens’ identities and ensures the integrity of polycarbonate documents.
Thales Colour Reveal Plus represents a significant advancement in the security of polycarbonate personalisation. By combining cutting-edge technology with innovative design, Thales is setting a new standard for document security. This feature not only enhances the protection of colour images but also reinforces the overall security of polycarbonate travel and ID documents, safeguarding against identity fraud and ensuring the trustworthiness of these essential documents.
