International crime database plan

Biometric tests are highly accurate in identifying people

Plans are under consideration for an international database containing the details of millions of criminal suspects, the Home Office has said.

The FBI plan was being considered as a way to help fight terrorism around the world, the Guardian newspaper reported.

The system is likely to feature major criminals and international terrorists.

Dubbed Server in the Sky, it could hold biometric information, iris scans and palm prints, pooled by the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the proposed project.

"As you would expect we consider a wide range of initiatives as we constantly look to enhance our investigative capabilities.

It will maintain a core holding of the world's 'worst of the worst' individuals FBI

"Relevant safeguards are always considered as part of this process."

An FBI spokesman said: "Server in the Sky is an FBI initiative designed to foster the advanced search and exchange of biometric information on a global scale.

"While it is currently in the concept and design stages, once complete it will provide a technical forum for member nations to submit biometric search requests to other nations.

"It will maintain a core holding of the world's 'worst of the worst' individuals. Any identifications of these people will be sent as a priority message to the requesting nation."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed it was also in discussions with the FBI, but said the plans were at a preliminary stage.