A Hard-Earned Acquisition and a Controversial Biometric Border Decision: Identity News Digest

Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:

TECH5 Acquires Imageware

Geneva-based TECH5 has acquired Imageware Systems for an undisclosed amount, through its US-based subsidiary, TECH5 Inc. The acquisition pertains to all of Imageware’s assets, and would appear to be a validation of a years-long effort on the part of Imageware CEO Kristin Taylor to transform the 36-year-old company. Read our full story.

London Borough Officially Opposes Police Use of LFR

The municipal council for the London borough of Newham is now officially opposed to the use of facial recognition technology by police, though it doesn’t have the power to actually prevent it. A council vote passed a motion directing its chief executive to write to the Home Office, the Mayor of London, and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) expressing the municipality’s formal opposition to the police use of live facial recognition.

Moscow Metro Brings Biometric Payments to Sheremetyevo Airport Terminals

The Moscow Metro has once again extended the scope of its biometric fare payment system, bringing it to the northern and southern rail terminals of Sheremetyevo Airport. Registered users are able to pass through the turnstiles without the need to present payment cards or any other hardware token. Over 300,000 people have signed up so far, reports Kiosk Marketplace.

Samsung Settles Biometric Patents Lawsuit

Samsung Electronics Co. has settled a patent dispute over biometric technology. The company had faced allegations from Korea-based phone maker Proxense that it had violated IP concerning the authentication of biometric data on electronic devices. The companies filed a joint stipulation today moving to dismiss the case, ahead of a trial that had been set to start Monday.

Irish Tourism Head Calls Biometric Border Requirement a Major Risk

Ireland’s head of tourism says that a biometric border control requirement to be imposed by the UK government “is probably one of the biggest risks Northern Ireland has at the moment”, adding that it could “undo a decade of work”. The plan will require non-Irish tourists entering Northern Ireland to submit their fingerprint and face biometrics when crossing the border. Tourism Ireland chief Niall Gibbons made the remarks during the launch of a new marketing campaign aimed at reviving tourism in the wake of the pandemic.

Queensland Prepares Digital License Pilot

Authorities in the Australian state of Queensland are about to launch a new pilot of a mobile ID system. The trial will enable residents of the northern municipality of Townsville to use digital versions of their driver’s license, as well as their marine license and state ID cards, on their smartphones. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is preparing the pilot in anticipation of a statewide rollout of the “Digital Licence” app.

Surveillance Scrambling Shirts are 100% Cotton – But How Effective?

An Italian startup called Cap_able has launched a new line of knitwear featuring designs that the company claims can thwart facial recognition algorithms. The startup says that the sweaters, hoodies, pants, and skirts comprising its “Manifesto” line are entirely made in Italy and are 100 percent Egyption cotton, though it hasn’t disclosed data about their effectiveness against different face-scanning systems.

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January 19, 2023 – by Alex Perala

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