Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
EU Assembles MNO Team for Digital ID Pilot
The mobile operators Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, and Vodafone Germany have been selected to coordinate pilots of digital ID technology in the European Union’s gestating mobile ID wallet project. Slated to run until the end of 2024, the trials will reportedly involve biometric technology, and will include efforts to fight fraud, with SIM activations in Ukraine being a particular concern. The pilots will span Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, and the Netherlands, in addition to Ukraine.
Belgian Delegates Propose Decoupling Entry/Exit System and ETIAS
A group of Belgian European Union affiliates has floated the idea of separating the databases for the planned Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The EES, a biometric border screening program intended to secure the perimeter of the Schengen free travel area, has now seen multiple delays. ETIAS, meanwhile, is meant to register foreigners who don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen zone. The Belgian delegation to the Working Party on Frontiers and Mixed Committee has issued a policy analysis suggesting that “ETIAS can realistically enter into operation in May 2024 if the decision to decouple both projects is validated in June 2023”.
Washington Officials Mull Biometric Alcohol Purchases
Authorities at the state of Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board are considering allowing consumers to prove their age with a biometric scan when purchasing alcohol. A panel was convened last week to discuss the matter at the request of a law firm representing food and beverage businesses, with administrators open to the idea, but concerned about legal challenges. “We don’t have to wait for the Legislature, but I don’t want to do something that the Legislature would then overturn or block somehow,” said Liquor and Cannabis Board Chair David Postman.
Incheon Airports to Get Biometric Boarding
Administrators at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport are preparing to activate a biometric boarding gate later this month. Eligible travelers can register their information, including face biometrics, using a mobile app launched this week, “ICN Smartpass”. Once the “smart gate” goes live at the airport, they will be able to pass through without the need to show a passport or boarding pass, though they’ll still have to present their passport for border control.
Chile to Register Foreigners’ Biometrics
The Chilean government has announced plans to implement a biometric registry of foreigners. To that end, an “Inter-Institutional Committee” committee will be formed by the Undersecretary of the Interior, the Undersecretary of Justice, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, the National Migration Service, the Investigation Police (PDI), the Gendarmerie, and the Civil Registry, mandated to immediately begin implementing a number of measures this year aimed at border control. Undersecretary of the Interior Manuel Monsalve said the planned biometric registry will entail “photography and fingerprinting.”
SITA Seals ‘Landmark Deal’ With Indian Airport Authority
SITA has established what it describes as “a landmark deal” with the Airports Authority of India to provide technology to 43 airports in the country. While its announcement made little mention of the role that biometric technology will play in its work, SITA is well known for its Smart Path platform, which supports the use of facial recognition for passenger identification. The company has also been working with NEC to support India’s “Digi Yatra” initiative, which revolves around the use of facial recognition to streamline the air travel process. Along with its Airports Authority deal, the company has also announced that its Airport Management System will be deployed at Noida International Airport, in Uttar Pradesh.
Sumsub Joins Payments Association
Miami-based Sumsub has joined The Payments Association, a networking and advocacy group founded in 2008 and operating across the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Asia. In a statement, Sumsub co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Peter Sever said the move signifies Sumsub’s “unwavering commitment to enriching the fintech landscape with top-notch verification and compliance solutions.” The company offers a suite of KYC, Know Your Business, transaction monitoring, and fraud prevention solution, including a biometric “3D FaceMap” system that can be used for authentication and to detect deepfakes.
–
July 10, 2023 – by Alex Perala
Follow Us