{
  "id": 1696479,
  "title": "Passport out-of-control at French airport",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/passport-out-of-control-at-french-airport",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-18T11:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register Science",
    "slug": "the-register-science",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/08/18/passport-out-of-control-at-french-airport/5288697"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In recent times, European airports have become a minefield for travelers, particularly when their passports are inserted into kiosks. A recent incident at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, a French airport, saw a traveler's experience with Windows technology go awry. The traveler, who wished to remain anonymous, inserted their passport into a PARAFE gate, expecting a smooth process. However, after successfully inserting their passport, the system crashed and rebooted, displaying a Windows desktop instead of the expected verification process. The traveler had to wait for someone to manually launch the appropriate application, causing a delay in the queue. This airport has had previous issues with IT problems affecting passport verification, causing delays in passenger processing. The airport spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating that the police encountered IT issues with their passport verification system. While the situation may have caused inconvenience for some, it seems that Windows technology has found its way into various unexpected places, from a failed airline operation to a delayed embarkation from another terminal.",
  "summary": "Papers please. Windows is watching",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register",
        "title": "Passport out-of-control at French airport",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/passport-out-of-control-at-french-airport-1701457",
        "published": "2026-08-18T11:20:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}