Australia’s BixeLab Seeks NIST Accreditation for Biometric Testing

BixeLab is hoping to become the world’s second NIST-accredited biometrics testing laboratory. The Australian organization is opening a new testing facility in Canberra, and is already in the process of applying to the NIST National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program.

If that application is approved, BixeLab would be the first accredited testing laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere. From there, the Lab would be able to test other biometric systems to make sure that they are accurate, and are able to guard against various forms of spoofing. They would also be watching for signs of potential algorithmic bias. BixeLab noted that private companies usually need to pass an independent test to be certified under international regulatory environments like Australia’s Trusted Digital Identity Framework.

The NIST’s decision will be based on an evaluation of the Lab’s technical capabilities, as well as its internal policies and testing methodology. To pass, BixeLab will need to demonstrate that its systems meet the latest international standards for biometric technologies.

Until then, BixeLab will be celebrating the launch of its new facility with a series of virtual launch events on February 22 and 23. BixeLab Managing Director Ted Dunstone will address biometric spoofing and the testing process as one of the keynote speakers.

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February 11, 2021 – by Eric Weiss