A New Joint Venture, Some BIPA Trouble, and More – 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:

Canadian Cops Seek Input on Facial Recognition

The Peel Regional Police Human Rights Project Team in Ontario, Canada, is initiating online consultations in March and April to gather public opinion on the use of facial recognition technology. These virtual sessions, scheduled between March 19 and April 11, aim to align the police’s use of this technology with community expectations and human rights principles. The discussions will focus on a human rights approach to facial recognition and the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) seven principles. The initiative encourages attendees to familiarize themselves with the Human Rights Project and the OHRC principles beforehand.

Brinks, Kroger Face BIPA Lawsuits

Brinks will face a proposed class action lawsuit over alleged violations of Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act through its use of a face-scanning system on its armored truck drivers. Plaintiff Charles Konow says the in-truck face scans could connect drivers to their personal identity data, thereby allowing the company to identify them via facial recognition. Brinks had filed a motion to dismiss the case, which was denied by Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer of the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Customers of three Kroger-affiliated stores in Illinois have initiated a class action lawsuit under BIPA, alleging the stores violated their privacy by employing facial recognition technology without consent. The plaintiffs argue that the stores’ security systems, which map facial geometry and distinguishing features of individuals entering and exiting the stores, were used without the required legal consent. They are seeking court approval to represent others potentially affected, with demands for damages amounting to $1,000 for each negligent BIPA violation and $5,000 for each willful violation.

VOXX Announces New Joint Venture

VOXX International Corporation has announced a joint venture between its subsidiary, EyeLock LLC, and GalvanEyes Partners LLC, leading to the creation of BioCenturion, LLC. This strategic alliance aims to unify technology, research and development, and marketing efforts under one entity, thereby facilitating growth and innovation in the biometrics sector. EyeLock and GalvanEyes will pool selected assets and liabilities into this 50/50 joint venture. GalvanEyes will oversee daily operations, with EyeLock retaining significant control over key business decisions. The venture is part of VOXX’s strategy to mitigate operating costs associated with EyeLock while capitalizing on potential market opportunities. The reorganization includes executive shifts within VOXX, with Beat Kahli transitioning to focus on BioCenturion’s development, and Loriann Shelton stepping in as CFO of VOXX.

YEO Announces Continuous Face-Scanning Solution

YEO Messaging has launched its Continuous Facial Recognition SDK at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona, aiming to enhance digital security by preventing unauthorized access through continuous facial recognition. The SDK’s introduction is being pitched to businesses seeking to bolster user privacy and security, offering a tool for continuous identity verification. Alan Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of YEO Messaging, highlighted the SDK’s potential to aid in regulatory compliance and protect user data across various applications, beyond its original use in YEO’s messaging platform.

Australian Soccer Stadium Gets Biometric Security

Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium in Australia, known for hosting Adelaide United Football Club, has deployed facial recognition technology, joining the ranks of Melbourne’s AAMI Park and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium in adopting such security measures. This development follows a significant $53 million upgrade for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which attracted over 65,000 fans. Adelaide Venue Management (AVM) has updated the stadium’s entry conditions and signage in preparation. AVM CEO Martin Radcliffe emphasized the goal of ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all stadium visitors, aligning with efforts to update match day operations continuously.

SITA Leads Series A for Indicio

SITA has led a Series A investment round for Indicio, a Seattle-based startup focused on decentralized identity technology. The companies have not disclosed the size of the funding round, nor have they revealed participation on the part of other investors. But in a statement disclosing SITA’s contribution, the company’s SVP of Borders, Jeremy Springall, emphasized the transformative potential of digital identity technology, particularly with respect to travel—the area of SITA’s expertise. Read the full story on Mobile ID World.

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March 7, 2024 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team