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:
authID Secures $10M Deal to Provide Biometric Authentication for AI Firm in India
authID has inked a $10 million, multi-year agreement to provide its biometric identity platform services to an AI company serving multinational clients in India. This three-year deal includes a minimum commitment of $3.33 million per year. The partnership coincides with India’s implementation of stricter data protection measures under the 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act. authID’s platform will introduce biometric verification that aligns with these regulations, enhancing security and protecting user data within India’s jurisdiction. The company’s platform processes biometric data within 700 milliseconds and binds verification to user accounts to prevent identity fraud and deepfake threats.
South African Revenue Service Implements Biometric Security for Online Tax Filing
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has integrated biometric facial recognition into its eFiling registration for personal income tax using valid South African IDs. This security measure applies to the eFiling website, SARS MobiApp, and SARS Self-Service Kiosks. The system follows ISO/IEC 30107-3 compliant presentation attack detection (PAD) and aligns with International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) guidelines. Users need camera-equipped devices for registration, while those without such devices can arrange in-person assistance. The move addresses a surge in eFiling fraud earlier in 2024, which led to the Office of the Tax Ombud’s investigation into authentication system vulnerabilities.
IDEX Biometrics Reports Q3 2024 Financials and Strategic Progress
IDEX Biometrics has reported its Q3 2024 financials, emphasizing restructuring and market expansion efforts led by CEO Catharina Eklof. The company reduced operating expenses to $4.1 million, down $2.0 million from Q2, as part of a strategic plan to reach a $2.5 million quarterly run rate. Key advancements included KONA I’s receipt of Mastercard certification for the first metal biometric payment card using the IDEX Pay platform, slated for rollout in multiple Asian markets in early 2025. Financially, IDEX posted $0.1 million in revenue and net income of $1.4 million, while reporting a $4.8 million adjusted net loss, impacted by restructuring and derivative value changes. Gains included $5.5 million from derivatives and $0.7 million from lease cancellations, alongside $0.4 million in restructuring costs.
Microsoft Revamps Windows Hello with New Visuals, Enhanced Passkey Options
Microsoft has updated Windows Hello in the latest Windows 11 Beta Channel preview build, introducing a modernized visual design and expanded passkey capabilities. The updates impact the sign-in screen, passkey verification interfaces, and Microsoft Store authentication dialogs. Passkeys, based on FIDO Alliance specifications, use cryptographic key pairs to enhance security, keeping private keys on user devices and public keys with service providers. The update includes new options for users to switch between authentication methods and select passkeys or devices for login, addressing ISACA’s findings that traditional passwords are increasingly unsustainable. Preview Build 22635.4440 (KB5045889) also fixes system stability issues, although Microsoft has paused its new game controller keyboard feature to resolve technical issues. These updates are currently available to participants in the Windows Insider Program.
Neurotechnology Enhances Multimodal Attendance Management Solution
Neurotechnology has released an updated version of its NCheck Multi-Biometric Attendance Management System, integrating facial, fingerprint, and iris recognition for employee and visitor tracking and access control. The system supports Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux and includes barcode, RFID, and QR code registration. It now features automated license plate recognition (ALPR) for vehicle access management through security cameras. Improvements include an enhanced user interface and the ability to recognize individuals wearing medical masks or safety helmets. The system integrates with payroll and HR systems via an API and supports both cloud and on-premises deployment. NCheck uses core algorithms tested by NIST and applied in major national identity projects.
Datasonic Acquires Majority Stake in Digital ID and Authentication Specialist
Malaysia-based Datasonic Group Bhd has announced its acquisition of a 51 percent stake in Innov8tif Holdings Sdn Bhd from Revenue Group Bhd for RM40 million. Innov8tif, known for digital ID verification and authentication, integrated passive liveness detection into its EMAS eKYC platform in 2019, strengthening its role in the ASEAN region’s electronic KYC solutions market. The acquisition aligns with rising demand for digital identity verification as Southeast Asian governments enhance digital economy frameworks with secure identity infrastructure. Datasonic, which provides identity document and security solutions, aims to integrate Innov8tif’s AI-driven verification technology into its systems to broaden its digital onboarding solutions. The deal includes profit guarantees for Innov8tif and is expected to conclude in Q1 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
OMNIVISION Launches Ultra-Small Sensor for Presence Detection and Facial Recognition
OMNIVISION has introduced the OV0TA1B monochrome/infrared CMOS image sensor, expanding its range of biometric imaging solutions. The compact sensor, designed to fit within a 3mm module Y dimension, targets ultra-thin-bezel notebooks, webcams, and IoT devices. This follows the OV01D1R sensor launch, which addressed human presence detection. The OV0TA1B features 2-micron pixel architecture based on PureCel technology, providing enhanced light sensitivity and an improved signal-to-noise ratio. It operates at 440 x 360 resolution with 30 fps and supports continuous low-power operation. The sensor can function independently or alongside RGB cameras, enabling dual-purpose use for mono and IR applications. OMNIVISION plans mass production for Q1 2025, with current sampling available for manufacturers. Applications include IoT use cases like people counting and traffic monitoring systems.
Liberian Elections Commission Plans Biometric Election Day Verification for 2029
Anthony Sengbe, Executive Director of Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC), celebrated the successful deployment of biometric voter registration during the 2023 General Elections. The system, developed in collaboration with Laxton Group, Neurotechnology, and 3D Technology, registered nearly 2.5 million voters using Neurotechnology’s MegaMatcher multimodal biometric platform and Laxton Group’s fingerprint capture hardware. Sengbe also detailed plans for 2029 to enhance this system with biometric authentication devices for Election Day verification, moving beyond manual checks. The NEC’s strategic agenda also includes remote candidate registration and accreditation portals, aligning with ECOWAS standards for regional electoral cooperation. Future goals feature regular boundary redistricting and a six-year strategic plan to meet constitutional obligations.
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November 4, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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