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:
Scientists Develop Stretchable, Body-powered Biometric Authentication Technology
Researchers have developed a stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator (STENG) for biometric authentication, combining energy harvesting and sensing capabilities. The STENG features a micro-pyramidal polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber film, allowing it to generate electricity from mechanical activity like tapping or bending. A prototype wearable keyboard using STENG captured keystroke dynamics, achieving a user identification accuracy of 93.21 percent with a machine learning algorithm. The device operates without external power, making it suitable for remote or lightweight applications. Challenges include variability in keystroke consistency, but the technology shows promise for biometric authentication, wearable devices, and activity monitoring.
FaceCheck.ID Expands Missing Persons Database
FaceCheck.ID has updated its facial recognition database by adding 50,000 photos of missing persons to aid in locating individuals, combating human trafficking, and assisting medical professionals in identifying non-verbal or unconscious patients. The platform cross-references photos with publicly available images online, including social media, to generate actionable leads. The technology supports law enforcement efforts to address human trafficking and provides healthcare workers with tools to connect unidentified patients with their families. FaceCheck.ID includes an opt-out feature to prioritize user privacy while aligning with best practices for balancing safety and individual rights.
FaceTec Retains World-class IP Counsel as UR Code Adoption Gets Underway
FaceTec has retained Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP as its intellectual property counsel to protect its biometric matching, liveness detection technologies, and the newly launched UR Code protocol. UR Codes are QR codes embedded with biometric and biographic data, allowing identity credential issuers to link this data to individuals securely. The protocol uses 3D liveness technology to confirm the presence of the individual presenting the code, supporting remote and in-person identity verification. FaceTec emphasizes the vendor-agnostic nature of its system and highlights the strength of its 3D liveness technology, bolstered by its Spoof Bounty Program.
Opinion: What Retailers Can Learn from Australia’s Facial Recognition Misstep
Corsight’s Tony Porter weighs in after Australia’s Information Commissioner ruled that hardware chain Bunnings breached privacy laws by using facial recognition without proper transparency or consent. The case highlights the need for retailers to ensure clear communication, inform customers about data collection, and seek explicit consent, as required under Australian law. Different regions approach biometric regulation with varying rigor; for instance, the U.S. has inconsistent state laws like Illinois’ BIPA, while the UK’s GDPR enforces transparency and proportionality. Globally, regulations are tightening, as seen with the EU AI Act. Retailers like the Mall of America demonstrate how transparency in using facial recognition can build public trust by focusing on safety and legitimate purposes. Lessons for retailers include adhering to laws, being transparent, and avoiding misuse for marketing or profiling to maintain trust and compliance.
DS4 Innovation Partners with Zwipe on Biometric Access Control in Brazil
DS4 Innovation has entered a distribution agreement with Zwipe to bring biometric access control solutions to Brazil. The partnership focuses on Zwipe’s biometric access cards, which provide two-factor authentication using integrated biometrics, eliminating the need for external fingerprint readers or biometric databases. These cards are designed for easy deployment on existing infrastructure and target high-security environments such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions. The collaboration aims to enhance security and convenience for Brazilian businesses while advancing the adoption of biometric technologies in the local market.
ID.me Valued at $1.8B After Successful Tender Offer Led by Ribbit Capital
ID.me has been valued at $1.8 billion following a tender offer led by Ribbit Capital, with participation from Viking Global Investors and CapitalG. The valuation marks a slight increase from its $1.73 billion valuation two years ago. Based in McLean, Virginia, ID.me provides digital identity verification solutions using facial recognition, document verification, and knowledge-based authentication. The company, founded in 2010, has raised $405.07 million and filed 24 patents related to identity documents and management. The tender offer allowed some employees and early backers to sell shares, though details were not disclosed.
Signicat Partners with AsiaVerify to Bolster Digital Identity Verification in APAC
Signicat has partnered with AsiaVerify to enhance digital identity verification capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration leverages AsiaVerify’s local data and expertise to improve accuracy, reduce fraud risks, and ensure compliance with regional regulations. The partnership aims to address the growing demand for reliable identity verification in APAC, facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting businesses in meeting local regulatory requirements.
HID Recognized as Leader in 2024 SPARK Matrix for IoT IAM
HID has been recognized as a leader in the 2024 SPARK Matrix for IoT Identity and Access Management (IoT IAM) by QKS Group. The SPARK Matrix evaluates companies based on market impact, innovation, product features, customer satisfaction, and market penetration. HID’s solutions focus on secure authentication, authorization, and device control for connected devices, addressing growing security demands. The company’s advancements include AI-driven threat detection and comprehensive device management mechanisms, with a strong presence across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
IDEX Biometrics Announces 140 Million Share Offering
IDEX Biometrics ASA is offering up to 140 million shares at NOK 0.15 per share in a subsequent share issue following its September private placement. The initiative liley aims to raise capital to support the company’s growth in the biometric payment industry, which includes recent developments in Turkish biometric payment card implementations. The issuance includes warrants to incentivize shareholder participation. While the company has not specified how the funds will be allocated, it continues to focus on advancing fingerprint recognition solutions and exploring new markets amid growing investment in biometric payment technologies.
South Korea to Launch Mobile Resident Registration Cards in December
South Korea will introduce mobile resident registration cards on December 27, 2024, as part of the revised Resident Registration Act. Citizens aged 17 and older with existing ID cards can opt for a digital version accessible via a mobile app, aligning with the country’s digital transformation strategy. The system aims to enhance convenience by eliminating the need for physical cards and improving efficiency with online updates of personal information. The app is expected to feature biometric authentication and encryption for data security. Potential challenges include technical issues and privacy concerns related to digital data reliance.
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November 26 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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