Air Travel and Banking Lobbies Want Biometrics in the Security Picture – 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:

IATA Handbook Emphasizes Biometric Tech in Passenger Processing

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is intensifying its efforts to transition to digital identity technologies in the aviation sector, including through the publication of the “One ID Handbook”, which aims to guide airlines, airports, and governments towards a digital transformation that enhances passenger processing. IATA is also offering specialized training in digital identity and biometrics fundamentals in cities like Singapore, Beijing, and Miami, reflecting a commitment to educating industry professionals on these pivotal technologies. The One ID initiative promises passengers a more streamlined travel experience by enabling the digital storage of travel credentials and facilitating biometric-based procedures at various checkpoints.

Aussie Bankers Push Biometric Checks in Anti-Scam Initiative

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) and the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) have introduced the Scam Safe Accord, an initiative to combat the sophisticated mechanisms of modern scams, particularly those funneling money into untraceable cryptocurrency accounts. The Accord emphasizes the importance of collaborative action among banks and includes enhanced Know Your Customer (KYC) measures, such as biometric verification, to prevent financial exploitation and ensure a secure banking environment. It details a strategy involving six key actions, including the adoption of advanced name-checking technology, biometric checks, and effective threat-sharing mechanisms aimed at identifying and disrupting scam operations.

New Hampshire Lawmakers Mull Deepfake Legislation

New Hampshire legislators are considering House Bill 1596, aimed at combating the rise of “deepfake” technology in political advertising. The bill, primarily sponsored by Rep. Angela Brennan, seeks to mandate public disclosure when political advertisements employ deepfake content. This legislative move comes in response to incidents where deepfakes have been used to mislead voters, including a recent episode where over 5,000 New Hampshire residents received robocalls with a simulated voice of President Joe Biden ahead of the presidential primary, misleading them not to vote. If passed, the bill would allow candidates targeted by deepfakes to seek legal redress for damages, reinforcing efforts to maintain the authenticity and fairness of electoral processes.

JPMorgan Chase Plans Wide Launch of Biometric Checkout Service for 2025

JPMorgan Chase is set to broadly launch a biometric checkout service by early next year, having begun piloting the technology with Texas-based food service provider Aramark. The service, developed in collaboration with PopID, allows consumers to opt for face or palm recognition as a payment method after an initial enrollment process that includes taking a selfie and entering payment details. Prashant Sharma, the bank’s executive director of biometrics and identity solutions, told Payments Dive that the goal is to make this technology widely available to JPMorgan’s extensive network of merchants, and to streamline and personalize the checkout process by eliminating common frictions such as loyalty point collection and digital receipt handling.

NEC Considering Data Center Sale

NEC is considering selling its data center assets. The potential sale, which is in the early stages of discussion, is projected to value the data centers between $400 million and $500 million. NEC is in the process of engaging financial advisors for the sale, with interest already shown by various data center operators and infrastructure funds. While the sale could impact the storage and processing infrastructure related to NEC’s biometric solutions, the news itself doesn’t directly indicate changes to the company’s biometric technology development, and the plans are reportedly tentative, at this stage.

Peruvian Operator Expands Reach of Surveillance Tech

Bitel, a telecommunications operator in Peru, is advancing its smart city initiatives by deploying video surveillance systems equipped with facial recognition capabilities in multiple cities to enhance public safety and traffic management. The project, which first got underway in Moche near Trujillo, has reportedly significantly reduced crime and traffic incidents. Bitel’s technology suite includes security and traffic cameras, smart operation center software, and a video management system (VMS) that can be integrated with databases for facial recognition, allowing the identification of individuals with criminal records or arrest warrants. Following the pilot’s success, Bitel has expanded this technology to other regions, including Salaverry, Lima, Chota, Cusco, and Yurimaguas, investing over $1 million in 2023 to support the broader implementation of these citizen security technologies.

Swiss Parliament Revisits e-ID Question

After a previous proposal’s rejection in a 2021 referendum, the Swiss parliament is revisiting the introduction of a state-backed electronic ID system (e-ID). Unlike the earlier proposal, this legislation envisions a government-issued e-ID solution, potentially addressing prior privacy concerns. The government says the e-ID would be voluntary and free, and that it aims to give users maximum control over their data, emphasizing decentralized data storage on the user’s smartphone. Discussion of the proposed legislation to establish the e-ID began today, after a parliamentary committee unanimously approved it last month.

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March 14, 2024 – by Alex Perala and the FindBiometrics Editorial Team