Apple’s Top Software Engineer Can’t Escape BIPA – 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:

Apple Exec Must Testify in BIPA Case

Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, is going to have to testify in a lawsuit filed against the company under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act. The lawsuit revolves around Apple’s Photos app, alleging that it applies facial recognition to individuals in photos uploaded to the platform without having obtained written consent for the collection of their biometric data, as required under BIPA. Apple had tried to argue that plaintiffs could get information about the technology through other means than deposing a senior executive, but Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel said the SVP could offer information about Apple’s intent, and that the deposition would not be an “undue burden”.

Humanity Protocol Enrolls Digital ID Holders With BIO-key Tech

In collaboration with BIO-key, Humanity International Investments says its Humanity Protocol initiative has successfully implemented palm scan authentication for individuals, primarily in Africa, to secure their digital identities via Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). With over 40,000 NFTs claimed and approximately 15,000 palm scans conducted, the project aims to empower individuals with a verified and immutable digital identity. The initiative also introduced a Community Staking program to provide financial benefits and foster a financially inclusive community, particularly benefiting those at the bottom of the economic pyramid in Africa and Asia.

Airport Expansion Raises Prominence of DigiYatra

An expanded Terminal 1 at Indira Gandhi International Airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 10, has significantly increased the airport’s passenger capacity and its use of biometric technology. The expansion, led by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd, introduced various innovative features to enhance passenger experience, including the implementation of India’s facial recognition system, DigiYatra, at all entry gates. The terminal now also includes advanced security features, such as 20 automated tray retrieval systems, over 100 common-use self-service kiosks, and 36 self-bag-drop kiosks, among other upgrades.

TECH5, Auctorizium Pilot Digital Travel Credential in Finland

TECH5 and Auctorizium have partnered to pilot one of the world’s first Digital Travel Credential (DTC) initiatives in Finland, funded by the European Commission. This pioneering project enables travelers to use digital versions of their passports for flights between Helsinki and various international destinations, aligning with specifications set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Auctorizium handled technological aspects including an identity wallet, registration, and inspection systems, while TECH5 contributed its T5-OmniMatch SDK for facial biometric matching. The DTC initiative has been successfully used by over two hundred passengers, with border control checks averaging less than eight seconds. The project is a collaboration among Finnair, Finnish authorities, and Finavia, as part of a broader EU strategy to innovate travel technology and security.

FPC, Thales Tech Power Turkey’s New Biometric Payment Card

Fingerprint Cards has revealed that its biometric technology is being used in a fingerprint-scanning payment card recently launched by Garanti BBVA, a major bank in Turkey. The “Bonus Platinum Biometric Card” was officially launched toward the end of February, with Garanti characterizing it as the product of a collaboration with Mastercard. Thales is also involved, having incorporated an FPC fingerprint sensor into its own card solution. Fingerprint Cards noted that this is the eleventh commercial rollout globally for a Thales-FPC biometric card.

RecFaces Tech Deployed at Brazilian Carnival

RecFaces has revealed that it deployed its Id-Guard facial recognition software to enhance security during the 2024 Brazilian Carnival. Cameras with the software were placed at mobile checkpoints, facilitating crowd movement while providing real-time surveillance capabilities. “We are proud to say that our solution has once again performed exceptionally well in supporting security services during a mass outdoor event even under complex conditions of low light, high traffic, masked visitors and crowd,” said the company’s LATAM Business Development Director, Maria Kazhuro.

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March 12, 2024 – by Alex Perala and the FindBiometrics Editorial Team