Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
Limiting Facial Recognition in China’s Tourism Sector
During China’s “two sessions” in 2024, a proposal was made to the country’s top political advisory body to limit the widespread use of facial recognition technology in the tourism sector, particularly in hotels and other accommodations. The excessive implementation of facial recognition has reportedly affected the quality of hospitality services, led to tourist complaints, and increased operational costs for businesses. The proposal calls for a reassessment of the public security sector’s mandates regarding facial recognition, advocating for informed consent and legal compliance in its application. China’s “two sessions” refers to the annual gatherings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which are key legislative and advisory bodies in the country’s political system.
TikTok’s $92 Million Settlement over Data Privacy
ByteDance Ltd, the parent company of TikTok, has agreed to a $92 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging unauthorized collection of user data, particularly from teenage users. This lawsuit, consolidated from 21 separate class-action complaints, was centered around accusations that TikTok collected biometric data, such as face scans, without consent to enhance its recommendation algorithms. The settlement, which is awaiting court approval, addresses claims of privacy violations and the potential risk of data exposure due to storage practices.
Nepal’s Digital Identity Initiative for Children
The government of Nepal is enhancing its digital identity framework by assigning national ID numbers to children at birth, marking a significant step towards the broader adoption of biometric-based national identity cards. These cards, issued by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration, are designed to eventually replace traditional citizenship certificates. They incorporate both biometrics (such as fingerprints) and demographic data of the individuals, ensuring a unique and secure form of identification. This initiative is part of a larger plan to streamline government services and document issuance, with the national ID system already having enrolled over 90 percent of the eligible population.
Kazakhstan’s Biometric Verification for SIM Card Purchases
Kazakhstan is considering the implementation of biometric verification for individuals purchasing SIM cards to enhance cybersecurity and counter terrorism. This proposal was discussed amid concerns over cybercrimes, with suggestions also including restrictions on the number of SIM cards an individual can own and the prohibition of SIM card registration via foreign phone numbers. Additionally, there is a proposal to restrict or flag the use of Kazakhstani phone numbers on foreign advertising platforms to prevent potential abuse by criminals, including terrorists using local numbers to disguise their location. This discussion follows a report revealing unauthorized access to Kazakhstan’s IT infrastructure by Chinese hackers.
Titan Innovations’ Israel Defense Fund
Titan Innovations has established the Israel Defense Fund, a $50 million venture fund aimed at investing in Israeli startups developing advanced defense technologies. This initiative seeks to bridge current security gaps highlighted by recent conflicts, focusing on areas such as border security, command and control, and urban warfare. The fund prioritizes technologies with potential military applications, including AI-based detection, data analytics, and biometrics like facial recognition, to support the rapid deployment of combat-ready solutions. “After experiencing the shock and horror of October 7, we feel compelled to utilize our expertise to ensure that our brothers and sisters in the field are equipped with the best technologies,” said Managing Partner Menahem Landau.
South Korea Investigates Worldcoin’s Data Practices
Worldcoin is facing a probe by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) over its data collection and handling practices. The investigation is in response to concerns about potential breaches of data protection laws due to Worldcoin’s method of offering cryptocurrency in exchange for iris scans to create unique digital IDs known as World IDs. The inquiry follows a previous incident where OpenAI was fined for a data leak affecting South Korean citizens, potentially influencing the PIPC’s current concerns regarding Worldcoin.
University of Michigan’s Driver Impairment Detection System
University of Michigan engineers have developed a low-cost system using cameras and facial recognition technology to detect signs of impairment in drivers, such as intoxication, drowsiness, or distraction, by monitoring facial and body cues. This innovation aligns with upcoming federal requirements for new passenger vehicles to include impaired-driver detection systems, potentially by 2026. The system, which can be integrated with existing vehicle cameras, uses artificial intelligence to analyze indicators like increased facial blood flow, heart rate, eye behavior, head position, and respiratory rate to assess impairment.
1Password Introduces Passkeys for Android
1Password, a FIDO Alliance member, has introduced support for passkeys on Android. Passkeys combine the strengths of traditional passwords, biometric verification, and two-factor authentication. They function by matching a unique cryptographic key generated during fingerprint authentication with one stored by the service, making them nearly impervious to phishing attacks. 1Password’s update allows Android users to manage passkeys efficiently, with the app recommending the activation of passkeys in popular applications like WhatsApp, Amazon, and Uber.
Yubico Expands YubiKey Bio Series
Yubico has announced an expansion of its YubiKey Bio Series, introducing multi-protocol keys that now support both FIDO and Smart Card/PIV protocols, enhancing biometric authentication options. Multi-protocol keys are security devices designed to support multiple authentication standards, enabling versatile and secure access across different platforms and technologies. These new keys feature a fingerprint sensor for secure, passwordless login, offering a user-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on security. Yubico’s partnership with HYPR for this Early Access Program highlights the integration of advanced Smart Card/PIV protocols with the simplicity of biometric authentication.
IDVerse Launches FraudHub
IDVerse has launched FraudHub, a fraud prevention tool that leverages biometric technology to enhance security for businesses. By analyzing user patterns and identifying repeat fraud attempts through facial recognition and ID details, FraudHub provides an innovative layer of protection. This solution integrates with IDVerse’s existing identity verification systems, allowing businesses to proactively tackle and stay ahead of sophisticated fraud schemes. IDVerse, formerly “OCR Labs”, announced a partnership with geolocation compliance specialist GeoComply earlier this year.
EU Parliament Approves Digital Identity Wallet Regulation
Members of European Parliament have given their “final green light” to the legislative foundation for the European Union’s planned Digital Identity Wallet. The regulation passed with 335 votes in favor, 190 opposed, and 31 abstentions. The digital wallet – commonly called the “EU Digital Identity” (EUDI) wallet – will be made available on a voluntary basis, according to the regulation. It will offer European Union residents a means of identifying and authenticating themselves online, and without having to rely on commercial vendors. Read the full story on Mobile ID World.
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March 5, 2024 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team
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