ID Tech Digest – October 10, 2024

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:

EU Officials Mull Remote Biometric Registration Ahead of Likely EES Delay

The European Union’s biometric border control system, the Entry-Exit System (EES), is facing another likely delay beyond its planned November 2024 launch. The system, designed to replace traditional passport stamps with biometric data collection for non-EU travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area, has been repeatedly delayed since its original 2022 launch date. EU officials are now considering contingency plans, including phased implementation, a limited “EES Lite” version, or allowing travelers to upload biometric data remotely. Concerns over IT infrastructure readiness, particularly raised by officials from France, Germany, and the Netherlands, are central to the postponement discussions.

Leidos Wins Six-Year, $249M Contract for Army’s Biometric Security Upgrade

Leidos has been awarded a $249 million contract over six years to enhance security measures at U.S. Army and select Joint-Service installations through the Automated Installation Entry (AIE) Next Generation system. The system will leverage cloud-based technology and biometric modalities, including fingerprints and military IDs, to validate digital identities and streamline access for personnel and vehicles at 92 installations worldwide. The AIE system interfaces with law enforcement and authoritative databases for real-time updates to security protocols, maintaining high security while expediting access.

Decentralized Biometrics Can Avoid Risks of ‘Service Provider Supply Chain’: Privado ID Co-Founder

Evin McMullen, co-founder of Privado ID, is advocating for a decentralized approach to biometric data storage to address cybersecurity risks and privacy concerns posed by centralized systems. McMullen argues that centralized storage, particularly by large tech companies, exposes sensitive biometric data to multiple third parties, increasing vulnerabilities within the service provider supply chain. To mitigate these risks, she supports using blockchain-based systems with zero-knowledge proofs, allowing users to verify their identities without revealing detailed personal information. This decentralized model also reduces the financial and security burdens on companies by limiting compliance costs and risks associated with data breaches. Privado ID, a digital identity platform spun off from Polygon Labs, focuses on offering secure identity verification with user control, leveraging decentralized technology and verifiable credentials.

GSA Launches Face-Based Sign-In for Login.gov

The General Services Administration (GSA) has announced the availability of facial recognition technology for Login.gov, its single sign-on platform for federal services. The new feature meets the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2) standard, which requires remote or in-person identity proofing for enhanced security. The technology uses a one-to-one matching process where users submit a selfie to be compared with a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license. The rollout follows a pilot earlier this year and addresses previous concerns about Login.gov’s compliance with IAL2 standards. The system will be monitored for algorithmic bias and accessibility across diverse demographics.

Kazakhstan to Launch National System for Biometric Authentication by Year’s End: PM

Kazakhstan plans to launch a centralized national biometric authentication system by the end of the year, as part of its broader efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure. The system, which will cover key sectors like banking and public services, aims to unify biometric data and enhance security measures across the country. Citizens will still have alternative authentication options such as SMS codes, digital signatures, or traditional logins. The initiative is a joint venture between National Information Technologies JSC and BTS Digital, overseen by the Ministry of Digital Development. The system is part of Kazakhstan’s National Digital Strategy, which includes the use of GovStack, an open-source platform aimed at advancing public service transformation.

Nigeria Looks to Contactless Biometric Capture for Remote Passport Renewal

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) plans to introduce a digital passport renewal system incorporating contactless fingerprint and facial biometrics by April 2025. This new system will allow applicants to renew passports entirely online through an NIS app, eliminating the need for in-person visits. The system will rely on applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) for verification and is part of the Nigerian government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance service accessibility. Two companies, Iris Smart Technologies and Newworks Solutions, are confirmed partners on the infrastructure development for contactless biometric capture. Initially, the rollout will target Nigerians living abroad. TECH5’s Rob Haslam calls the planned system “a world first.”

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October 10, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala