News
Identity News Digest – July 10, 2024
Welcome to FindBiometrics’s roundup of what’s new in the identity industry. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
Worldcoin Launches Development Preview for Digital ID Blockchain
Worldcoin has Developer Preview Launched of its World Chain blockchain, a significant step toward creating a global digital identity platform. The preview allows developers to explore and provide feedback before the mainnet launch later this summer. The blockchain-based digital identification system is tied to the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project, which uses iris biometrics to verify users’ uniqueness. Biometric onboarding is facilitated by iris scanning devices called “Orbs,” and interactions on the World Chain will happen through the World ID app, which already has more than 10 million users. Worldcoin plans applications for stablecoin finance, international remittances, trade, and proof of humanity.
Lawmakers Seek to Update TSA Technology, Eliminate Biometric Funding Diversion at Borders
Legislators They have presented several bills to accelerate the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) deployment of advanced screening technology and improve the airport experience for travelers. Led by Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), one bill seeks to halt the diversion of funds from the 9/11 security tax, which was redirected to deficit reduction in 2013. The proposed legislation seeks to establish an “Airline Security Checkpoint Technology Fund” within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to help the TSA acquire new technology, such as upgraded Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines that use facial biometrics to verify identity.
After pilot, Essex Police push ahead with LFR plans
Essex Police in England are planning to permanently implement real-time facial recognition (LFR) technology following a successful trial in Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea in October 2023. Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said LFR would be used exclusively to arrest wanted individuals and prevent serious crime, with officers making decisions about arrests rather than the technology itself. The trial, which involved surveillance cameras on marked police vans, resulted in three arrests from five LFR notices, including one for suspected rape. Harrington assured the public that non-suspicious faces would be immediately deleted and that the rollout would involve public consultation to ensure fairness. In addition to LFR, Essex Police used retrospective facial recognition in May and June to identify 78 offenders using images from home security cameras.
Clearview’s TX-Ramp Level 2 Certification Opens Doors to More Potential Business in Texas
Clearview AI awarded Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP) Level 2 Certificationallowing the company to potentially expand its business with Texas state agencies. The certification, which focuses on cloud services that handle sensitive or regulated data, requires a comprehensive security assessment, adherence to state and federal regulations, ongoing monitoring and robust incident response procedures. It allows Clearview AI to work with law enforcement in Texas, offering its facial recognition platform that searches for facial matches against a vast database of images collected across the internet. Despite the platform’s popularity among law enforcement, Clearview AI has faced privacy complaints, particularly under Illinois biometric privacy laws, and recently settled a class action lawsuit with the plaintiffs receiving a stake in future contracts.
The collaboration between FPC and IN Groupe bears fruit with the launch of the biometric card
Fingerprint Cards AB (Fingerprints) and IN Groupe, through its SPS brand, have launched a secure component solution for contactless biometric payment cardsThe collaboration, launched in November 2023, aims to support global card manufacturers in producing next-generation biometric payment cards, in line with growing consumer demand for contactless payments. The new biometric cards incorporate Fingerprints’ second-generation T-Shape (T2) sensor module and software platform, which feature ultra-low power consumption and superior biometric performance. The partnership focuses on simplifying the production process, improving reliability and reducing costs to facilitate mass adoption.
Biometrics Experts Respond to Deepfake Threat
With the 2024 election year raising concerns about the compromise of information integrity by AI-generated media, digital authentication Specialists are tackling cybercriminals who exploit deepfakes. Deloitte predicts that AI-related fraud losses in the financial sector could increase from $12.3 billion in 2023 to $40 billion by 2027. Biometric and identity security firms have been preparing for this threat. Biometric authentication faces “spoofing” attacks, in which legitimate credentials are impersonated. Experts like Frost & Sullivan’s Danielle VanZandt point out how easy it is to access deepfake tools, making fraud easier to perpetrate. Synthetic identities combine real and fabricated data, challenging traditional fraud detection methods; and deepfakes can infiltrate identity verification systems during user enrollment, posing advanced persistent threats. Solutions include multi-layered security controls, liveness detection technology, and 3D imaging systems to ensure genuine presence during enrollment.
In-car facial recognition could turn off ignition for drunk drivers
Researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia have developed a new facial recognition system to prevent drunk drivers from operating their vehicles. Using in-car cameras, typically used as dash cams, the system identifies signs of intoxication and can potentially prevent the car from starting if impairment is detected. In a study with 60 volunteers driving at different levels of intoxication (sober, low and severe) using a driving simulator, the system achieved a 75 percent accuracy rate in determining intoxication based on facial movements, gaze direction and head position. The technology aims to overcome the limitations of existing methods such as mini-breathalysers and pressure-sensing car seats, providing a proactive solution that prevents the vehicle from starting. Lead scientist Dr Syed Zulqarnain Gilani highlighted the potential of low-resolution video applications, suggesting the technology could be used in roadside surveillance cameras and by law enforcement to prevent drunk driving. The system could also be adapted into a smartphone app for wider use in pre-driving sobriety testing.
NatWest uses digital ID technology to facilitate business transactions in Scandinavia
NatWest, a leading UK bank, has announced the adoption of the OneID digital identity system for its Structured Finance business in Finland, Norway and Sweden. The integration allows anyone with an online bank account in these countries to verify their identity via the digital service when signing a NatWest lease. Manchester-based OneID confirms user details with its banks and recently enhanced its identity assurance mechanisms through a partnership with IDVerse. IDVerse’s platform uses facial biometrics and liveness detection to verify identity and age, addressing fraud concerns. Additionally, IDVerse is certified for Right to Work, Right to Rent and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) under the UK’s Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF). The OneID platform will be combined with Adobe’s digital signature technology to streamline business operations, reducing the process from days to hours and supporting sustainability efforts.
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July 10, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala