FINGERPRINTS and digital face scans will be stored on a chip in people's passports within three years and the information will be available to law enforcement agencies throughout the European Union, justice ministers are expected to agree today.

PERSONAL details of all air passengers flying to America, including credit card details and home addresses, will be handed over to US authorities under a deal agreed with the EU.

CIVIL rights groups have criticised planned EU legislation which allows the Government pass on the contents of phone, fax and e-mail messages to US authorities.