Welcome to ID Tech’s digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
CLEAR Embraces Airport Face-scanning with EnVe Pods
CLEAR has launched EnVe Pods, a biometric identity verification system designed to expedite airport security checks. Using face-first biometric technology, the pods verify identities in seconds without requiring fingerprints or eye scans. This innovation is five times faster than previous biometric scanners and aims to streamline the travel process while reducing stress for passengers. The EnVe Pods are being deployed at 12 major airports and reflect broader trends toward enhanced biometric solutions in airport security, as seen in initiatives like Abu Dhabi Airport’s biometric screening system.
NADRA Showcases Biometric Tech at IDEAS 2024 in Karachi
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) showcased its biometric solutions at IDEAS 2024 in Karachi. Key technologies included a locally assembled all-in-one handheld biometric tablet for registration and verification, portable mobile enrollment kits, self-enrollment kiosks for efficient database registration, and a contactless iris camera for secure identification. These solutions are designed to enhance national ID systems, streamline border control, and improve public service delivery with quick and reliable identity verification.
Target Faces Biometric Privacy Lawsuit Over Alleged Facial Recognition Use
A federal judge in Illinois has ruled that Target must face a biometric privacy lawsuit under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The plaintiffs allege that Target used facial recognition-enabled surveillance cameras to identify and track customers without obtaining their consent, violating BIPA. One plaintiff claims that Target’s security team identified her using facial recognition technology, referencing her LinkedIn profile shortly after a store visit. Target denies using video surveillance that collects biometric data and argues that the allegations lack sufficient evidence. Judge Jeremy C. Daniel allowed the case to proceed, stating that the claims are plausible at this stage of litigation.
IrisGuard and MODEE Jordan Launch ‘Identity Without Borders’ for Enhanced Digital ID Services
IrisGuard has launched “Identity Without Borders” in partnership with MODEE Jordan to enhance digital ID services through iris recognition technology. The system captures and analyzes unique iris patterns, offering high security and resistance to tampering. It supports government services, financial transactions, and travel documentation without requiring physical documents. Integrated into existing government systems, the initiative aims to improve efficiency and security in sectors like healthcare, finance, and border control. IrisGuard’s technology builds on advancements recognized in NIST’s IREX 10 evaluations, reflecting its reliability for secure identity verification.
EY Identity Acquires J Group Consulting to Enhance Cybersecurity Services
EY Identity (EYI) has acquired J Group Consulting, a Melbourne-based firm specializing in privileged access management (PAM) and cybersecurity consulting. The acquisition strengthens EYI’s capabilities in identity management and cybersecurity. Joel Harris, founder of J Group Consulting, will join Ernst & Young Australia as a partner, along with a 20-member team based in Melbourne and Sydney. The acquisition enhances EYI’s PAM offerings, addressing the security of sensitive systems and data for clients across the Oceania region.
Qatar Digital Identity App Gets Security and UX Boost
The Qatar Digital Identity (QDI) app, developed by the Ministry of Interior, is set to introduce enhancements including biometric activation and login capabilities to improve security and convenience. The app will consolidate digital IDs and official documents, allowing users to manage them in one location. It will also provide seamless access to services such as e-gates at airports and other public functions. Security updates will focus on verifying the eligibility of individuals for specific services, enhancing the safety of electronic transactions. These updates aim to simplify digital identity management and improve the overall user experience.
Kuwait’s PACI Enhances ‘MY KUWAIT ID’ App with Multi-Level Verification for Improved Security
The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) in Kuwait has introduced three verification levels—Medium, High, and Verified—within the “MY KUWAIT ID” app to enhance security and identity authentication. The Medium level involves manual data entry for registration, providing access to government documents. The High level uses NFC technology to scan civil ID cards for more secure verification. The Verified level employs self-service devices and includes more stringent security measures compared to the other levels. These updates aim to safeguard user data and prevent unauthorized access while allowing users to choose their preferred security level.
Mastercard Approves Biosmart and IDEX Biometrics’ Fingerprint Payment Cards for Global Use
Biosmart and IDEX Biometrics have received Mastercard approval for their IDEX Pay biometric payment cards, allowing for global issuance. The cards use fingerprint sensors combined with Infineon’s SLC38 secure element, for authentication without PINs or signatures. This approval follows IDEX Biometrics’ recent restructuring under CEO Catharina Eklof and its collaboration with Infineon on advanced payment card designs.
Finding GDPR Violations, Italian Regulator Preemptively Prohibits Firm’s Use of Facial Recognition
Italy’s Data Protection Authority (Garante) has fined Foodinho, a Delivery Hero subsidiary, 5 million euros for GDPR violations involving the personal data of over 35,000 riders. The company transmitted riders’ geolocation data to third parties without consent, even while riders were off-duty. The regulator also prohibited the use of riders’ biometric data, such as facial recognition, for identity verification. The investigation revealed significant breaches, including inadequate transparency in account deactivation processes and failure to enable riders to deactivate GPS tracking when not working. Foodinho has been instructed to revise its practices to comply with GDPR.
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November 25 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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