OTTAWA, Ontario, June 1, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- BlueBear Network International, Inc (Pink Sheets:BLBR) announced today it has extended its exclusive licensing of facial recognition and secure distributed search technology from Ottawa-based VisionSphere Technologies, to offer State motor vehicle agencies the ability to link driver's license databases between all U.S. states, Canada and Mexico -- as proposed by the sweeping REAL ID Act approved by Congress this month.
"The passing of the Real ID Act by Congress earlier this month will enable BlueBear to position itself to be a key technology player in linking driver's license databases throughout North America," said Andrew Brewin, President and CEO of BlueBear Network. "Given that BlueBear is already deploying information sharing systems in Law Enforcement, adding Driver's Licenses is a logical extension."
President Bush is expected to sign the $82 billion military spending bill soon that will, in part, create electronically readable, federally approved ID cards for Americans. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the package -- which includes the Real ID Act-on May 10.
Starting in 2008, Americans will need a federally approved ID card to travel on an airplane, open a bank account, collect Social Security payments, or take advantage of nearly any government service. Practically speaking, all state driver's licenses will have to be reissued to meet federal standards.
VisionSphere Technology has developed technology to securely search multiple biometric databases (Face or Fingerprint). The unique technology uses secure internet connections to link and biometric databases maintained anywhere in the world. BlueBear, as the exclusive licensee, adapts that technology for law enforcement by building applications for forensic identification, background checks and the fight against child exploitation.
Brewin said BlueBear's access to VisionSphere's patent-pending technology will enable it to become a leader in permitting authorized agencies to search state databases biometrically.
"The intention behind the Real ID Act is to ensure individuals getting driver's licenses are who they say they are by mandating improved screening and the linking of state databases," Brewin added. BlueBear's use of VisionSphere's technology is the best way to make biometrics collected by each state accessible in a fast, secure and easy to use manner.
About BlueBear Network International, Inc.
BlueBear Network International, Inc. (Pink Sheets:BLBR) is a Nevada registered company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. BBNI develops and markets technology that uses biometrics and text records to securely and simultaneously search and share biometric and records information among linked police and integrated justice databases. BlueBear's system responds to worldwide police and government requirements for the timely and effective information search and sharing in homeland security and law enforcement. The company has established strong strategic relationships with several large manufacturers, software and consulting firms. For more information, visit http://www.bbninternational.com/ .
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Securities Litigation Improvements Act of 1996. The words "believe," "expect," "estimate" and "project" and similar expressions define forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. BBNI undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are currently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated in, or underlie the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward-looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to meet its projected growth, the effects of government regulation, competition and other material risks