Error Message Intrigue From a Face-Scanning Vending Machine – 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:

UK ICO Orders Government Contractor to Stop Using Biometric Workforce Tracking

The United Kingdom’s Information Commissioner’s Office has ordered Serco Group to stop using biometric time and attendance tracking systems in its leisure business. Serco specializes in operating various kinds of public services, from hospitals to prisons, as a government contractor. The company says it first introduced face and fingerprint-scanning time and attendance systems five years ago and that they have been well-received by employees; but the ICO found that Serco Leisure and other associated business arms had failed to offer employees an alternative method of clocking in and out.

Judge Sends Samsung to Arbitration for BIPA Violations

A federal judge has ruled that Samsung must move to arbitration in 807 complaints about its Gallery App’s allegedly unlawful collection of biometric data under Illinois’s Biometric Information Privacy Act. “After nearly two years of motion practice, it is time for petitioners to have their claims arbitrated,” the judge wrote. Another 240 petitioners were removed from the case due to their overlap with a separate but similar case involving about 50,000 plaintiffs. In that case, Samsung had been ordered to pay millions in arbitration fees, but the company recently appealed the ruling.

Civil Rights Commission to Hold Facial Recognition Briefing

The US Commission on Civil Rights, a bipartisan government agency, will hold a public briefing on the civil rights implications of facial recognition technology on March 8, 2024. The event will focus on the use of facial recognition on the part of the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will call for testimony from academics, legal experts, software developers, and government officials, among others. The briefing will be followed by a written report, for which the Commission on Civil Rights will accept written comment until April 8.

Vending Machine Error Message Reveals Face Scanning Tech

A software error message in a vending machine at the University of Waterloo in Ontario has sparked concerns about the surreptitious use of face biometrics technology. The otherwise opaque error message contained a heading that said “Invenda.Vending.FacialRecognition.App.exe – Application Error”, prompting students to share concerns about being scanned while buying candy. The manufacturer, Invenda, has now confirmed that its vending machines collect demographic data, but it insists that the data is processed locally and not transmitted. It has not explained why it would implement software to collect data that will never be seen by anyone.

Jumio Names New CFO

Jumio has named Igor Beckerman as its new Chief Financial Officer. Beckerman comes to the company from a previous position as CFO of Newsela. He has also previously held senior financial management roles with Gainsight, Marketo, Symantec, and the Symantec spinoff Precise Software Solutions. In announcing the appointment, Jumio said it arrives at a “pivotal time” for the company. “The identity landscape is facing a seismic upheaval, and Igor joining our team of innovators is just another step we’re taking to ensure Jumio remains the clear leader in this space,” said CEO Robert Prigge.

Biometric Patient Monitoring Company Raises $4M

San Diego-based ISHI Health has raised $4 million in a funding round led by Takeda Digital Ventures (TDV). The company has developed a remote care program that analyzes biometric data collected from external and implanted cardiac sensors, and uses it to provide specialized, heart-focused care in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. TDV Investor Suzie Yoon lauded ISHI for its use of “AI, virtual and remote functionalities” to deliver “an innovative hybrid care solution”. ISHI says it will use the funding to expand its product range and enter new markets.

Joint Solution for Under-display Face Scanning to Be Showcased at MWC Barcelona

Trinamix, Visionox, and STMicroelectronics have announced a joint solution for under-display facial recognition. At its core is Trinamix’s “Face Authentication” technology, the module for which can be integrated into a device under Visionox’s semi-transparent OLED display. STMicroelectronics has provided a global-shutter CMOS sensor with a near-infrared capability. Trinamix is emphasizing the solution’s utility in smartphones, and will be demonstrating it alongside its partners at this year’s Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona, which is slated to run from Feb. 26 to 29.

Tennessee Mobile ID Is in the Works

Mobile ID seems to be on its way to Tennessee. After digital ID legislation was proposed at the end of last month, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security confirmed to local outlet WSMV4 that a program is in the works to establish a digital version of a state ID or driver’s license. That’s exactly what would be required by HB 2792/SB 2661, which would instruct the Department of Safety “to establish and implement a secure digital license system for the issuance of digital driver licenses and photo identification licenses upon request.” Read the full story on Mobile ID World.

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Feb. 23, 2024 – by Alex Perala