That's not quite right re. UK applications. Countersignatures are mainly intended to confirm a person's name/identity. They certify the photo too, but an adult

That's not quite right re. UK applications. Countersignatures are mainly intended to confirm a person's name/identity. They certify the photo too, but an adult who hasn't had a passport before needs to attend an interview where the photo will be checked and applicants who do have a previous passport will have the new photo checked against the record. I do think the countersignature system should be revisited, though.