ID Tech Digest – October 8, 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:

OMB Guidance on AI Procurement Stresses Need to Avoid Bias, Vendor Lock-In

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued new guidance for the procurement of AI tools, with specific implications for identity technologies like biometric systems. The memo stresses that agencies must ensure AI systems, such as those using facial recognition or fingerprint analysis, are accurate across diverse demographic groups and not trained on unlawfully collected biometric data. Vendors are required to provide evidence of testing to demonstrate system fairness. The guidance also emphasizes the importance of modular contracting to prevent vendor lock-in and support ongoing performance validation. Privacy experts must be involved early in the acquisition process to manage risks to personal data.

Army Awards Parsons $1.9M Next Generation Biometrics Collection Capability Contract

The U.S. Army has awarded Parsons Corporation $1.9 million to enhance its biometric capabilities under the Next Generation Biometrics Collection Capability (NXGBCC) program. Parsons will provide mobile and static biometric devices, as well as software, to collect and analyze biometric data, including fingerprints, facial images, iris scans, and voice data. The system is designed for near-real-time identity verification and will streamline deployment with a software-based solution. The initiative is part of the Army’s broader biometric modernization efforts, with full implementation expected by 2025.

Workshop Kicks Off Fiji’s National ID Effort

A workshop held in Suva marked the start of Fiji’s National ID Program, a collaborative initiative between the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), the Fijian Government, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The program aims to establish a secure electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) system to improve financial inclusion and support the country’s digital economy. The project, expected to take 36 months, will be guided by a steering committee co-chaired by Deputy Prime Ministers and RBF Governor Ariff Ali, who stressed the role of a National Digital ID in improving citizens’ access to services like healthcare, education, and banking. This initiative is part of Fiji’s broader National Digital Strategy, supported by the Ministry of Communications and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), using the open-source GovStack platform to transform public services.

OMNIQ, NEC Announce Public Security-focused Partnership

OMNIQ Corp. and NEC have announced a partnership to integrate facial recognition and biometric technologies to enhance public safety and security. The collaboration combines OMNIQ’s machine vision and facial recognition systems with NEC’s biometric processing capabilities. It targets sectors such as law enforcement, transportation, and urban infrastructure, focusing on improving operational efficiency and security. NEC’s NeoFace facial recognition technology, known for its high accuracy and performance, will be central to the partnership, offering real-time data analytics and situational awareness. The partnership builds on OMNIQ’s previous AI-based security deployments.

Worktech Startup’s New Tech Offerings Include Biometric Visitor Management System

Eptura has announced new workplace technology solutions, including a biometric visitor management system that uses facial recognition to streamline identity verification at front offices and restricted areas. The system allows visitors to check in through real-time facial scans at lobby kiosks. In addition to biometric features, Eptura introduced a data analytics tool, Eptura Envision, for monitoring occupancy, real estate, and asset data. The company also enhanced its platform interface and integrated it with Freespace sensors for real-time space usage monitoring. These innovations will be rolled out through 2024 and 2025.

Getaround Sued for Alleged Violations of Illinois Biometric Privacy Law

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Getaround, alleging violations of Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The plaintiff claims that Getaround collected and stored users’ biometric information, specifically facial geometry scans during account setup, without obtaining informed written consent. The lawsuit also alleges that Getaround unlawfully shared this data with third parties, including service providers and business partners, without proper authorization. The plaintiff seeks statutory damages of $5,000 per intentional violation or $1,000 per negligent violation, along with an injunction requiring Getaround to comply with BIPA.

Indonesian Telco Trials Facial Recognition for Prepaid Card Registration

An Indonesian telecommunications company is trialing facial recognition technology for prepaid card registration. The system aims to streamline the registration process by verifying the identity of users through facial scans. This initiative is intended to enhance security and compliance with local regulations that require accurate customer identification for prepaid services. The trial represents a move towards greater use of biometric technology in telecommunications, improving both security and user convenience.

Biometric Screening Expected to Be Key to 2026 World Cup Fan Influx

Biometric technology is expected to play a significant role in managing security and efficiency during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially at transportation checkpoints and stadiums. Facial recognition and fingerprint scanning will be used at airports to streamline identity verification, with the TSA reporting over 99 percent accuracy for these systems. Public support for biometrics is high, citing enhanced security and efficiency. The expansion of biometric solutions in sports venues, including the MLB “Go-Ahead Entry” and Wicket’s face-based concessions payments, demonstrates the growing integration of these technologies in improving the fan experience at major events.

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October 8, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala