ID Tech Digest – October 23, 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:

Australia, NZ Pilot Digital Travel Declarations via Qantas App

Australia has launched the Australia Travel Declaration pilot, replacing the traditional paper-based Incoming Passenger Card with a digital alternative using facial recognition and digital credentials. The trial, which began on 21 October 2024, involves Qantas passengers flying from Auckland to Brisbane, allowing them to complete immigration, customs, and biosecurity declarations via the Qantas app before their flight. The initiative aims to streamline passenger processing, with plans to expand the program to other New Zealand cities and Australian airports.

Facial Recognition IDs North Korean Soldiers in Russia-Ukraine War

The United States has confirmed that North Korean troops are supporting Russia in its war effort in Ukraine, with the identification made possible through facial recognition technology. Reports indicate that North Korea has sent 3,000 soldiers, with plans to increase the number to 10,000 by the end of the year. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, in collaboration with Ukrainian intelligence, used facial recognition to identify North Korean officers in the Donetsk region. The development raises new concerns among Ukraine’s allies about the expanding scope of the conflict.

European Commission Seeks Tenders for Zero-Knowledge Age Verification Solution

The European Commission has issued a call for tenders to develop a privacy-preserving age verification solution, aligning with the Digital Services Act (DSA) to protect minors online. With a EUR 4 million budget, the project seeks a Zero-Knowledge Proof protocol to verify age without revealing personal information. The initiative targets large online platforms and search engines, with a focus on scalability and privacy. The solution will also include a white-label application for Member States, addressing the growing need for enhanced protections for vulnerable users across the EU.The tender is open from 15 October to 18 November 2024, under the Digital Europe Programme.

New Defence Contractor Rules Poised to Boost Biometric Adoption

The U.S. Department of Defense has published the final rule for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, which goes into effect on December 16, 2024. This rule mandates compliance with NIST SP 800-171 controls for defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The framework requires third-party assessments and emphasizes secure cloud service provider usage, robust documentation, and system security plans. Biometric technologies are expected to play a significant role in access control, aligning with the framework’s strict cybersecurity requirements across the defense supply chain.

Italy Begins Pilot of Digital ID Wallet

Italy has launched its first digital ID system pilot on October 23, 2024, as part of its initiative to digitize key identity documents. The initial phase allows 50,000 citizens to access digital versions of driving licenses, health cards, and European Disability Cards via the “Io” app. While these documents cannot yet be used for online services, they are fully functional in everyday scenarios. The system will expand throughout 2024, with a full IT Wallet, compliant with EU digital identity standards, set for launch in 2025.

Anonybit Extends Decentralized Biometrics Support to Iris, Voice via EyeLock and ID R&D

Anonybit has integrated iris and voice recognition into its decentralized biometric data security platform through collaborations with EyeLock and ID R&D. The platform stores biometric templates by fragmenting and distributing them across multiple servers, preventing any meaningful data from being extracted in a breach. This expansion follows earlier support for facial and palm recognition. CEO Frances Zelazny highlighted the flexibility and security benefits of supporting various biometric modalities, catering to different applications like call centers and high-security environments, and inviting more providers to integrate their algorithms.

Biometrics Institute Highlights Privacy, AI, and Ethical Challenges in Latest Report

The Biometrics Institute’s sixth State of Biometrics Report focuses on responsible biometric technology use, emphasizing privacy, transparency, and the challenges posed by AI. It highlights the need for clear regulations, especially in managing AI’s dual role in fraud detection and privacy risks. The report warns against emotion detection in high-risk applications and stresses limiting data collection to mitigate cyber threats. It also raises ethical concerns around DNA technology and advocates for a people-first approach to build public trust in biometrics. The full report is available to members.

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October 23, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala