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:
Ernst & Young Acquires Dignari
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has acquired Dignari, LLC, a digital identity and access management (IAM) firm specializing in biometric and data-driven security solutions for the U.S. public sector. Founded by Gena Alexa in 2013, Dignari brings 300 professionals with expertise in digital identity, homeland security, and large federal IAM programs. The acquisition enhances EY’s government-focused capabilities, integrating Dignari’s cloud services and DevSecOps experience to support sectors like law enforcement and intelligence. The partnership also opens IAM solutions to commercial sectors facing similar security challenges.
ROC Expands Into India and Southeast Asia with Strategic Advisor Appointment
ROC has appointed Sachin Ratta as Special Advisor for Partnerships, aiming to drive its biometric solutions into India and Southeast Asia’s growing digital identity markets. Ratta, with 15 years in biometrics and digital payments, will expand ROC’s presence in these regions, leveraging India’s Aadhaar system and burgeoning fintech sector. ROC’s biometric technology, recognized by NIST for face, fingerprint, and palm print accuracy, is positioned to support digital identity, national eID, and digital payments as the company strengthens its foothold in these rapidly evolving markets.
Apple Launches iOS 18 with New AI Capabilities
Apple’s iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 introduce “Apple Intelligence,” an AI suite available only on newer iPhone models with specific hardware. Language features include writing tools with tone adjustment, AI-generated priority notifications, and transcription capabilities in Notes and Voice Memos. Image features in “Image Playground” allow image generation from text and Photos library integration, potentially invoking privacy concerns where biometric regulations apply. Apple’s Private Cloud Compute platform ensures privacy by processing only essential data securely, reinforcing the company’s focus on privacy while expanding AI-driven functionality.
Ring and Google Extend AI’s Reach in Video Doorbells
The video doorbell market is expanding AI-driven capabilities, with Google’s Nest Doorbell Wired (2nd-gen) and Ring enhancing their offerings. The Nest Doorbell includes 24/7 recording, person and object detection, a 960 x 1280p resolution, HDR, and facial recognition via the Nest Aware subscription for $8 per month. It offers customizable activity zones and three-hour event storage. Meanwhile, Ring is introducing AI-powered search for object-based footage retrieval and plans for 24/7 recording on wired devices. Both brands focus on AI to enhance security and identification, reflecting a trend toward more integrated home security.
White House and Congress Push Forward on AI Regulation and Development
The White House has issued a national security memorandum on AI, focusing on military applications and data protection, while Congress advances a bipartisan AI legislative package aimed at research and usage guidelines. Led by key congressional figures, the proposed legislation could extend federal AI oversight through year-end bills. The White House memo emphasizes safeguards for AI in sensitive areas like immigration classification and tracking, and promotes collaboration with allies on governance standards. The guidance also encourages coordination with industry and defense sectors to prevent technological theft and ensure timely AI deployment.
Discover Study Tracks Speed and Security Trends in Payment Industry
Discover Global Network’s study with 451 Research reports a strong shift toward instant payments and heightened security in the payments sector. Seventy-three percent of consumers used instant payment services recently, reflecting the digital transformation in finance. Meanwhile, 71 percent of consumers are open to additional authentication for transaction security. Among merchants, 61 percent view payment processing as central to operations, and 75 percent prioritize fraud prevention. The fintech sector shows similar alignment, with nearly all providers emphasizing instant payments and high interest in technologies like Tap to Pay and digital identity solutions.
EufyCam S3 Pro Delivers Advanced Night Vision Technology—and Retains Facial Recognition
Eufy Security’s new EufyCam S3 Pro enhances home security with MaxColor Vision for detailed color night vision and 4K resolution, featuring a wide f/1.0 aperture and 1/1.8″ sensor. Dual spotlights enhance low-light performance, and SolarPlus 2.0 technology extends battery life up to a year. Local storage via the HomeBase 3 hub adds security, addressing prior data privacy issues linked to Eufy’s parent company, Anker. The camera includes AI facial recognition and customizable motion detection, priced at $220, though it limits resolution to 1080p with Apple HomeKit.
Google Pulls Ahead of Apple in Under-Display Facial Recognition Race, Leaks Suggest
Leaked documents suggest Google is developing under-display Face ID technology for future Pixel models, potentially debuting with the Pixel 11. This would advance Google’s facial recognition capabilities, currently reliant on front-facing cameras in the Pixel 8, which achieved high security ratings. The under-display infrared camera would eliminate the need for a notch, maintaining visual appeal without compromising security. Google’s Tensor chips, known for AI-driven image processing, may support this system, positioning Google ahead of Apple, whose similar feature is rumored for 2026.
Veriff and Regula Announce Identity Verification Platform Developments
Veriff and Regula have made notable advancements in identity verification technology. Veriff’s new Aadhaar Verification, an add-on to its IDV product, leverages India’s extensive Aadhaar biometric registry, which holds data for over 1.3 billion people, adding an additional layer of security for Indian user verification. Regula, meanwhile, showcased its Information Reference System at the INTERDOCPOL Congress, which includes over 337,000 high-resolution images of 12,000 identity documents from 225 regions. This system enables detailed document verification using advanced spectral imaging to detect tampering or hidden features.
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October 29, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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