http://www.statewatch.org/news/2006/feb/08italy-biometric-passports.htm
"The chip will store facial images (digitised photos) and the fingerprint of the index finger of both hands, as well as information about the holder of the passport. It will be in 'interoperable' format and contain codes to ensure the protection and to prevent the alteration of data, and to make it possible for officers from control agencies to read the data. The biometric data can only be used to verify the authenticity of the document and the holder's identity through elements that are available for comparison in instances in which passports or travel documents are required by law. Interestingly the decree also states that: 'Biometric data collected for the issuing of the passport will not be stored in databases'"
