‘A Very Very High Error Rate’ – 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:

Android Security Specs Draw Criticism

Google’s new biometric security specifications for Android devices are drawing criticism from high-profile cybersecurity executives. The tech giant’s highest-level spec for “strong security” demands “a spoof and imposter acceptance rate” no higher than seven percent. As Anonybit CEO Frances Zelazny observed to ComputerWorld, “That is a very very high error rate.” FaceTec’s Jay Meier went further. “To describe this benchmark as ‘strong’ should qualify as fraudulent,” he said, adding later, “It’s like Android wants to enable identity theft and cybercrime.” For its part, Google says it encourages Android device makers to be transparent about the relative strength or weakness of their own authentication systems so that consumers can make informed decisions about whether to use them.

Foam Company Settles BIPA Lawsuit

The Reilly Foam Corp. has become the latest company sued under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) to reach a settlement, in its case amounting to $150,000. The company makes foam products for various consumer, industrial, and medical applications, and had been accused of failing to obtain consent before scanning employees’ fingers. Any Reilly Foam Corp. employees who underwent scans between August 1 of 2017 and August 1 of 2022 without providing written consent are eligible to receive a $650 cheque.

Istec, Signicat Launch Digital Certificate Solution for Spaniards in Europe

Istec and Signicat have jointly launched a digital certificate solution aimed at letting Spanish citizens throughout Europe digitally obtain certificates for proof of identity, consent, will, or authorship. Istec, or “Infraestructures i Serveis de Telecomunicacions i Certificació”, is a public sector company offering electronic trust services, while Signicat is a Norway-based digital identity specialist. Their joint solution uses facial recognition to compare smartphone video of the end user’s face to their physical ID; and it’s available for use by any Spanish citizen in Europe with a valid Foreigners’ Identity Card.

Face-Based Venue Access Comes to Nashville

A biometric expedited entry system has now been deployed at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, further extending the technology’s presence in the sports landscape. Interested football fans can sign up to gain entry with a face scan at a dedicated entry lane. A report on the deployment did not name the vendor in question, but did refer to the biometric system as “Express Entry”, the system operated by Wicket. The National Football League has been using Wicket’s technology at multiple stadiums since this past summer.

JTC Plans Biometric Payment System for Digital Estates

JTC, a statutory board under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, has revealed plans to implement a biometric payment system across its digital estates — combination office and residential hubs aimed at supporting certain economic and business activities. The system, currently being piloted at a JTC office building, uses facial recognition to match shoppers to their credit cards. Officials are aiming for a wide rollout of the system in 2024.

Thales’ Biometric Card Features FPC Sensor

Fingerprint Cards has revealed that its T2 fingerprint sensor technology is being used in Thales’ recently announced SafeNet IDPrime FIDO Bio Smart Card. “Thanks to the wide partnership we have with Thales, we continue to innovate and are constantly strengthening our collaboration, now bringing a FIDO2 card to market, integrating biometrics by Fingerprints,” said FPC’s VP of sales and business development, Roger Carrico. Access control is seen by Fingerprints executives as a key area of diversification, as CEO Adam Philpott emphasized in the company’s recent Q3 update.

Jumio’s KYC Nabs a Tech Ascension Award

Jumio’s KYX Platform has been named the “Best Fraud Prevention Solution” in the 2023 Tech Ascension Awards. First launched in September of 2020, KYX has by now won numerous industry awards, including a couple of Globee Cybersecurity Awards earlier this year. The “Know Your Everything” platform leverages a range of tools, including selfie-based identity verification and AI technology, to provide businesses with “the most comprehensive coverage to prevent the newest and most complex forms of fraud, while streamlining the user experience,” explains CEO Robert Prigge.

VSBLTY Announces Digital Signage Acquisition

VSBLTY has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Shelf Nine, a small digital signage company based in Connecticut. “This acquisition, along with our Mexican, Brazilian and other in-store media opportunities will see media revenue become a large contributor to our bottom line in 2024 and beyond,” explained VSBLTY CEO Jay Hutton. The news follows on the heels of VSBLTY’s announcement this week that its own smart signage technology, which is capable of scanning viewers’ biometric data, will be deployed in a major NBA arena.

Gimbal Camera Features Face-Tracking Tech

A new gimbal camera device from DJI features facial recognition technology allowing it to track a given subject as they move around. The Osmo Pocket 3 also employs a “face-priority strategy” in image processing, automatically adjusting exposure based on a subject’s skin tone and applying smoothing and brightening effects. It’s priced at $520.

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October 25, 2023 – by Alex Perala