ID Tech Digest – October 18, 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:

Netherlands’ Defense Ministry Surveys Market for Border Control Tech

The Netherlands’ Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information to explore next-generation automated border control technologies with a focus on biometrics. The Ministry seeks electronic solutions that incorporate facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and other biometric technologies to enhance security and efficiency at border crossings. The RFI aims to gather industry input to refine its strategic approach, particularly toward flexible, scalable systems that align with future EU regulations like the Entry-Exit System (EES). A formal contract notice is expected by February 28, 2025, following the insights gained from this market survey.

French Court Rules ISPs Must Block Porn Sites That Don’t Use Age Verification

The Paris Court of Appeal has ruled that internet service providers must block access to non-European pornographic websites that fail to verify users’ ages, addressing concerns over minors’ exposure to explicit content. The ruling enforces a 2020 law requiring age verification, mandating platforms like Tukif and xHamster to comply or face blocking in France. The decision boosts demand for digital age verification technologies, such as those provided by companies like Ariadnext, Yoti, and IDNow, which use biometrics and AI-driven assessments. As regulators like Arcom increase pressure on compliance, age assurance providers are expected to play a growing role in ensuring digital safety.

Toppan to Buy ASSA ABLOY’s Citizen ID Business

ASSA ABLOY has agreed to sell its Citizen ID business, part of its HID brand, to Japan-based Toppan. The Citizen ID business specializes in physical and mobile identity solutions, including the integration of biometric technologies such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris recognition for government ID programs. The sale aligns with ASSA ABLOY’s strategic shift to focus on core competencies in access solutions and security technologies. For Toppan, the acquisition strengthens its position in the secure identification market, expanding its offerings in biometric identification systems and ePassports. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

Rebranded Worldcoin Leans Into Biometric ID, Deepfake Detection

Sam Altman’s digital ID company has rebranded from “Worldcoin” to “World,” signaling a shift from cryptocurrency to biometric identity verification technology. World’s Orb device, which scans irises to create a digital World ID, has been upgraded for better AI performance using NVIDIA’s Jetson chipset. The company plans to expand its biometric verification services globally, integrating NFC-enabled passports as an additional verification method. World’s focus includes addressing AI-related issues like deepfakes, with the introduction of a new service called Deep Face. Despite privacy concerns, World aims to onboard a billion verified users for secure digital identity.

UAE Deepens Investment in Biometric Tech for Travel and Payments

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expanding its adoption of biometric technologies, including facial recognition and palm vein scanning, to enhance services and security. At Dubai airports, the “Travel Without Borders” project will allow travelers to move through terminals without showing documents, relying on AI-powered facial recognition for seamless passage. The project will begin with business and first-class passengers before extending to all. Additionally, the UAE is introducing “Palm ID” for payments, using palm vein scanning for secure transactions. The biometric advancement reflects the UAE Vision 2031 initiative and aims to improve efficiency across sectors.

AWS Beats One Claim in BIPA Voiceprint Case as Judge Questions Frivolity

A federal judge in Delaware has dismissed one claim in a biometric privacy lawsuit against Amazon Web Services (AWS) for the second time. The claim alleged AWS violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by unlawfully sharing biometric data without consent. Judge Stephanos Bibas dismissed the claim again after the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence. However, other claims in the lawsuit, such as allegations that AWS collects and uses voice biometrics without informed consent, remain ongoing. The case underscores the legal challenges surrounding biometric data privacy and compliance with laws like BIPA.

Android 15 Enhances Security with Passkeys and Theft Protection Features

With Android 15, Google has introduced passkey integration for Pixel devices, enhancing security by using biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition for logins instead of passwords. Passkeys are stored locally and not transmitted to external servers, reducing the risks of password theft and phishing. Android 15 also supports passkeys in autofill-enabled apps, making authentication quicker and more secure. Additionally, Android 15 includes a Theft Detection Lock, using AI to lock a device in cases of suspicious behavior. These features complement Google’s broader passkey initiatives, including cross-platform syncing and optional PIN encryption for added security.

New Partnerships Signal Flourishing Digital ID Ecosystem

Recent digital identity partnerships reflect a growing focus on improving security, user experience, and fraud prevention. Okta, Microsoft, Ping Identity, Beyond Identity, and the OpenID Foundation have formed a working group to develop the Interoperability Profile for Secure Identity in the Enterprise (IPSIE), aimed at securing identities across SaaS platforms through measures like single sign-on and lifecycle management. Digidentity and Trinsic have partnered to streamline digital identity verification with a new Software Development Kit (SDK), enhancing compliance with regulations such as eIDAS 2.0. And Liquid, Inc. and DocuSign have integrated biometric authentication into DocuSign’s platform to strengthen digital contract security.

–

October 18, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala