AI Risks, Biometric ID, and a New Concept Car – 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:

Expert Committee to Weigh AI Risks in Australia

The Australian government has appointed a 12-member expert committee to identify the riskiest applications of AI technology, which may put biometric tech under its microscope. In announcing the group, Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic noted that officials in the European Union have also identified risky AI use cases as they have hammered out the pending AI Act, including the risks of “biometric identification and categorization of people”. Australia’s Artificial Intelligence Expert Group has been asked to work quickly, with appointees’ roles scheduled to conclude in June of this year.

Uganda Prepares Biometric ID Registration Drive

Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is preparing for a campaign to enroll citizens in a new ID card system that will introduce iris biometrics to civil identity in the country. The effort is currently scheduled to begin June 1, 2024, and is expected to run until January of 2025. But Members of Parliament have warned that NIRA has not yet addressed funding gaps for the hiring of staff, and that it has not yet procured the necessary systems to enroll citizens.

Nigerian State Implements Biometric Payroll

The Nigerian state of Kano has implemented a biometric payroll system for pensioners, civil servants, and political appointees, with an eye to preventing malfeasance and fraud. At an official event this week, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf became the first official to enroll in the Kano Integrated Personal and Payroll Information System (KIPPIS).

Colorado Legislature Mulls Data Privacy Bills

The Colorado state legislature’s House Judiciary Committee will hold hearings today on House Bill 1130, “Privacy of Biometric Identifiers and Data”, a piece of legislation that would amend the Colorado Privacy Act to require organizations that collect biometric data to establish clear guidelines concerning retention and security breach policies. The bill would also introduce certain consent and disclosure requirements for the collection of biometric data. Another bill, HB 1058, “Protect Privacy of Biological Data”, would expand the definition of “sensitive data” under the Privacy Act to include even neural data, such as brainwave metrics. That bill has passed through the House and is now with the Senate Committee on Business, Labor, & Technology.

New Chrysler Concept Car Features Biometric Driver Greeting

Chrysler has unveiled a new concept electric car, the Chrysler Halcyon, that includes biometric driver identification among its high-tech features. The aerodynamic, low-slung vehicle uses facial recognition to identify the driver as the driver approaches the vehicle, automatically unlocking and opening the door, and displaying an LED welcome animation. If the driver is carrying luggage, the system will automatically adjust the rear seats to let the driver stow it away. The rear storage can also be unlocked at any time via voice command.

Yoti Provides Age Assurance to Social Media Platform for Kids

Wizz, the operator of an eponymous social media app for children, has now rolled out a biometric age check system, and made it mandatory for all users. The technology has been provided by Yoti, and entails the use of a live face scan. In announcing the system, Wizz made no mention of ID scans, suggesting that it is relying on Yoti’s age estimation technology. “This tool also allows Wizz to segment users by age, plus or minus one year only, throughout their time on our platform,” the company explained, adding that Yoti has been accredited with the UK’s Age Verification Certificate of Compliance.

FacePhi Tech Comes to Temenos Exchange

FacePhi’s portfolio of identity solutions is now available on Temenos Exchange, a curated marketplace of FinTech solutions; and FacePhi says it will work with Temenos on a Proof of Concept project “to ensure the best adoption of the Facephi’s solutions on Temenos Banking Cloud,” the company said in a statement. The partnership could open the door to more opportunities in the financial services sector, with Temenos’s Director of Innovation and Ecosystems, Martin Bailey, asserting that Temenos Exchange reaches a banking audience of over 3,000 clients around the world, and serves a collective customer base of 1.2 billion people.

Estonia Aims for Summer Launch of Mobile ID

Estonia’s Information System Authority (RIA) is aiming to launch a mobile ID app this summer, with an announcement of a public procurement process pending. The app, dubbed “mRiik” (or “mState”), is being developed with an eye to interoperability with Estonia’s existing e-government services. The plan is to offer another channel through which to access these services, while also providing Estonians with a mobile-based digital ID that they can use to prove their identity within the country. Read the full story on Mobile ID World.

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February 14, 2024 – by Alex Perala