Biometric Body Cams for Bouncers – 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:

UN’s Human Rights Arm Weighs in on AI Act

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (“OHCHR”) has weighed in on the European Union’s proposed “AI Act”, offering a detailed, human rights-focused analysis of its various proposals. On the topic of biometrics, the OHCHR raises “serious concerns” about biometric surveillance systems, highlighting the use of facial recognition by law enforcement in particular. The OHCHR supports a ban on the use of biometric tools that categorize people “based on the color of their skin, gender, or other protected characteristics,” as well as a ban on tools that are meant to infer people’s emotions or predict crime.

Bouncers in UK’s Hampshire to Pilot Body Cam FRT

Police authorities in the United Kingdom county of Hampshire are preparing to embark on a three-month pilot that will see bouncers at night clubs and other venues equipped with body-worn cameras that use facial recognition. The camera systems will scan for individuals who have previously been banned from a given venue, automatically alerting the bouncer. The project is being spearheaded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, in partnership with the body camera company Reveal Media and the Southampton business industry association Go! Southampton.

South African Government Services Centers to Get Biometric Kiosks

Authorities in South Africa are preparing to deploy biometric self-service kiosks at Home Affairs offices, which deal with the administration of citizenship, immigration, and identity documents, among other services. The news comes by way of the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, who addressed questions about long queues at the offices during a parliamentary meeting. The Minister said that citizens will be able to use the kiosks similar to how they use ATMs, but indicated that the functionality “depends on the facial recognition system that we are already piloting.”

FaceTec Fends Off All Hacks as Crypto Wallet Reaches Million-User Mark

The crypto wallet platform ZenGo has reached an important milestone, protecting over a million end users. More remarkably still, its eponymous wallet has seen zero hacks, thanks to its use of sophisticated facial recognition technology from FaceTec. “Even when the crypto industry is experiencing a slower growth period, we continue to attract customers who are looking for a secure and straightforward way to store their assets,” ZenGo said. Read our full story.

Axiad Joins AWS Partner Network

Axiad has joined the AWS Partner Network, and its Axiad Cloud platform has completed the AWS Foundational Technical Review, which evaluates solutions against a best practices framework for cloud solutions. Axiad Cloud is a suite of passwordless authentication tools, including biometric solutions; and it supports solutions from other providers including YubiKeys and the Windows Hello authentication platform. Axiad raised its profile by joining the FIDO Alliance in late 2021, and is now poised to extend its reach in the authentication market through Amazon Web Services’ Partner Network.

Vouched Tailors Selfie IDV Tech for Automotive Market

Seattle-based Vouched has launched a version of its selfie-based identity verification system for the automotive industry. The company says its new “VouchedAuto” solution can be used for “in-person or digital car buying or leasing, test drive authorization, car rentals or rideshare driver and rider verification.” It is already being used by Lithia Motors & Driveway, one of the biggest automotive dealers in the US. The product launch reflects the growing presence of facial recognition-powered IDV in the automotive sector, with Yoti having announced earlier this month that its own solution would be used in a Toronto-based anti-fraud platform for car loan applications.

Deutsche Telekom Builds Open-Source Digital ID Tech

Deutsche Telekom has entered into an agreement through its subsidiary T-Systems to provide an ID wallet for Gaia-X Federation Services, a part of the overarching Gaia-X initiative, which aims to establish a secure, federated system for Europe’s next-gen data infrastructure. To that end, T-Systems will be working with the eco-Association of the Internet Industry, a Germany-based trade association. Telekom is developing open-source software that will be compatible with the European Digital Identity Wallet, and expects its solution to be available to Gaia-X initiatives in early 2024. Read the full story on Mobile ID World.

–

November 8, 2023 – by Alex Perala