Facial Recognition in the Spotlight: 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:

DHS S&T Emphasizes Skin Tone Imaging in Biometric Rally Update

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has concluded research stemming from its 2022 Biometric Technology Rally, and is putting skin tone imaging in the spotlight as key area of concern for further biometric development. Speaking to reporters, the technical director of the Identity and Data Sciences Lab at S&T’s Maryland Test Facility, Yevgeniy Sirotin, noted that facial recognition algorithms tended to be less accurate when scanning individuals with darker or lighter than average skin tones, and called for the use of specialized cameras that can be appropriate configured to address the issue.

Public OK With Thunder Bay Police Use of Computer Vision Tech

A public survey in the Canadian city of Thunder Bay has found public support for the police’ use of AI technology to scan surveillance footage, with the proper oversight policy. Police asked for pubic comment in January, after acquiring the BriefCam solution; over 500 responses have been submitted, with about 71 percent agreeing that the software would be a valuable aid. That having been said, Thunder Bay’s police force says it will not use BriefCam’s facial recognition function, and will instead rely on its other computer vision capabilities when scanning video feeds.

US Air Force to Implement Facial Recognition in Drones

The US Air Force has contracted facial recognition technology from RealNetworks with the aim of incorporating it into autonomous drones. According to a report from New Scientist, the face-scanning drones will be used by special operations forces, and will be focused on gathering intelligence and carrying out other missions in foreign states. The Department of Defense’s contract for RealNetworks’ “SAFR” solution is valued at $729,056.00.

Taiwanese Insurer Uses CyberLink Tech for Remote KYC

Yuanta Life, a Taiwan-based insurer, is now using CyberLink’s FaceMe eKYC & Fintech solution to offer remote services to clients. Leveraging FaceMe’s core facial recognition technology, the FaceMe eKYC & Fintech solution adds video conferencing capabilities geared at industries requiring especially strong KYC and onboarding processes. The integration enables Yuanta Life to facilitate insurance contracts remotely, and comes after CyberLink obtained FIDO Alliance UAF Level 1 certification for its FaceMe platform in December.

VSBLTY Enhances Smart Signage Computer Vision

VSBLTY has enhanced the computer vision capabilities of its smart signage platform, which is designed to assess biometrics related to audience demographics as subjects look at a given marketing display. Part of a broader platform upgrade that includes a next-generation customer portal and Content Management System, the “DataCaptor2” system features “advanced state-of-the-art algorithms for anonymous audience monitoring and analytics,” the company said in a statement. VBSLTY also offers a separate security solution, dubbed “Vector”, that offers facial recognition and weapon detection capabilities.

VIVOTEK to Launch Tiered AI Surveillance Solution

VIVOTEK has unveiled its new IP surveillance solution, “VAST Security Station” (“VSS”). Slated for commercial launch next month, the solution offers real-time facial recognition and vehicle detection, and will be available in three different tiers. VSS Lite, the base tier, will be free to use, while VSS Standard is aimed cost-conscious SMEs and VSS Professional is targeted toward “medium to large enterprises with a high demand for 24-hour centralized management,” VIVOTEK explained in a statement.

Zwipe Tech Trialed at Virginia Airport

Zwipe’s biometric smart card technology is being trialed in a Proof-of-Concept pilot at the Richmond International Airport in Virginia. The trial is being conducted in collaboration with Civix, with the latter’s ASC Access Cards being used to verify authorized personnel at points of entry. It’s part of an “Airport Security System Integrated Support Testing” (“ASSIST”) program run by the National Safe Skies Alliance, with Richmond International Airport being a TSA-approved member of the “Airport Innovation Forum”.

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February 23, 2023 – by Alex Perala

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