‘I Am Freaked Out by A.I.’ – 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:

China is Global Leader in Facial Recognition Exports: Study

A Brookings Institution study led by Harvard and MIT researchers has determined that China is the world’s leading exporter of facial recognition technologies. The academics argue that China is much more likely than western countries to export surveillance tech, and that autocracies and weak democracies are much more likely to be among its customers. According to their findings, Chinese organizations have accounted for 201 export deals involving facial recognition, whereas US companies were in second place with 128 deals.

Congressman Calls for Regulatory Agency for AI

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-California) has authored (most of) a New York Times op-ed calling for the creation of a federal agency for the regulation of AI technologies, highlighting facial recognition as an AI tool that could “result in an intrusive public and private surveillance state” if left unchecked. Lieu argues that an agency “is nimbler than the legislative process, is staffed with experts and can reverse its decisions if it makes an error.” He notes, “as a member of Congress, I am freaked out by A.I.

Brazilian Identity Verification Startup Goes Global

São Paulo-based Caf has announced the global launch of its “Know Your Everything” platform, elevating its profile as a fast-growing provider of remote onboarding solutions and services. Like numerous other remote onboarding specialists, Caf offers a platform in which selfie-based biometric identity verification plays a central role. Its own particular solution includes presentation attack detection technology that has attained iBeta Level 1 certification.

Mexico Extends eGate Deployments

Authorities in Mexico are expanding the use of eGates to border checkpoints at Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta after successful trials in Cancun. The eGates require biometric scans and can reportedly process travelers much faster than traditional screening systems.

UIDAI Asks for Consent in Aadhaar Authentications

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is now asking organizations to obtain consent before requesting individuals’ Aadhaar information, and to inform citizens about the kind of data being collected during an authentication transaction. The move toward greater transparency comes amid the rapid expansion of India’s national biometric ID program across various facets of everyday life in the country.

Biometric Wearable Both Tracks and Affects Health

Pittsburgh-based Apollo Neuroscience says its biometric wearable goes a step beyond fitness tracking – it actually intervenes in the wearer’s health. The company’s Apollo device is designed to produce gentle vibrations that improve cardiovascular health. And Apollo says that a peer-reviewed, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted at the University of Pittsburgh has confirmed that the device increases heart rate variability.

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January 24, 2023 – by Alex Perala

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