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:
Corsight AI’s Tech Can Now Spot ‘Sweethearting’ in Retail Environments
Corsight AI has upgraded its computer vision system to detect “sweethearting,” in which retail staff manipulate transactions to benefit acquaintances. The technology flags unusual interactions between employees and customers, allowing security to investigate potential fraud. This feature builds on Corsight’s existing facial recognition capabilities used for identifying known risks and has been integrated with RaptorVision’s retail automation tools. The enhancement highlights Corsight’s expanding role in retail security, extending beyond traditional surveillance to include anti-fraud applications.
Kentucky High School Welcomes Face-scanning Robot Into Classroom
Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky, has introduced “Ryan Pepper,” a social robot with facial recognition and AI capabilities to help students learn advanced coding and AI programming. The robot enables students to experiment with programming, such as making it dance or recognize faces. This initiative supports Central’s mission to provide industry-standard technology, preparing students for tech-driven careers. Ryan Pepper is the school’s latest addition to its STEM program, following a manufacturing robot introduced in 2022, and has generated excitement among students new to coding.
Iowa Brings mDLs to Apple Wallet
Iowa residents can now use digital driver’s licenses and state IDs in the Apple Wallet app on their iPhone and Apple Watch. The digital ID is accepted at select TSA checkpoints, Iowa businesses, and Apple Stores nationwide. Users can add their ID by following in-app instructions. Iowa joins several states in supporting digital IDs in Apple Wallet. This update comes alongside the TSA’s publication of a final rule allowing mDLs at security checkpoints beyond the May 2025 REAL ID deadline, bridging traditional ID enforcement with digital technologies.
Changi Airport’s Biometric Processing Brings Immigration Screening Down to 10 Seconds
Changi Airport has implemented biometric technology, reducing immigration processing time to 10 seconds for Singaporeans, residents, and long-term pass holders. Since launching facial and iris recognition on September 30, clearance times have dropped by 60 percent, with 1.5 million travelers using the system by mid-October. The technology will expand to all terminals and other transport hubs by December 2024, with the aim of automating 95 percent of traveler clearance by 2026. The initiative is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to enhance efficiency as passenger numbers grow.
SITA Opens Tech Hub in Romania
SITA has launched a new R&D hub in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, focusing on advancements in aviation technology, including passenger processing, biometrics, and AI integration. The choice of Cluj-Napoca was driven by its skilled STEM workforce and dynamic tech environment. The hub will work on projects like SITA Flex, a mobile check-in and boarding platform, and will explore sustainable technology initiatives. The hub aims to enhance operational efficiency and develop secure digital identity systems. This move follows SITA’s acquisition of Materna IPS, boosting its capabilities in biometric and digital travel solutions.
eu-LISA Industry Roundtable to Tackle AI in Home Affairs
eu-LISA will host an Industry Roundtable on AI in Budapest, Hungary, from November 12-13, 2024, with a focus on AI’s role in Europe’s justice and home affairs sectors. The event, co-hosted with the Hungarian EU Presidency, will explore AI solutions for border management, law enforcement, and asylum authorities amid the EU’s AI Act implementation. It will include five sessions on biometric recognition, generative AI, fraud detection, and compliance, combining insights on regulation and practical use cases to balance innovation with security requirements.
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October 25, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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