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:
FaceTec Clocks 2.6B Annual Liveness Checks, Other Milestones in 2024 Liveness Detection Security Report
FaceTec’s 2024 “Liveness Detection Security Report” highlights recent milestones, including performing over 2.6 billion 3D Liveness Checks annually without reported fraud and tripling its Spoof Bounty Program to $600,000. The company maintained its iBeta Level 1 & 2 Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) certifications, demonstrating resilience against both basic and advanced spoofing attacks, and passed the NIST-accredited Bixelab PAD test with a 0 percent False Acceptance Rate. A 14-day video injection penetration test conducted by a European lab failed to breach FaceTec’s security, solidifying its position in biometric security.
Acceptance of Azerbaijan Digital ID Expands with MNO Support
Azercell, Azerbaijan’s leading mobile operator, has expanded the acceptance of digital ID cards to all authorized dealer stores and Azercell Exclusive offices, allowing customers to conduct transactions using digital IDs from the “myGov” app. The initiative, in collaboration with the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), reflects Azerbaijan’s efforts to integrate digital identity solutions across sectors, ensuring high data privacy and security standards. Azercell began accepting digital IDs in September 2024, following a presidential decree advocating for the widespread use of digital IDs. The MyGov platform, which was developed between 2021 and 2022, now serves 65 percent of the population and provides over 450 e-services, including digital document management and verification systems.
Uber Turns to Passenger Verification with New Prove Tech
Prove has launched a new identity assurance tool called “Verified Users,” which Uber has begun using to verify passengers by linking their phone numbers to their identities. Informed by over 30 billion authentication and verification events, the tool bypasses biometrics and treats phone numbers as the primary identifier. Uber’s pilot of the technology delivered positive results, with verified passengers receiving higher ratings, tipping more frequently, and generating fewer driver complaints. As Uber rolls out the system nationwide, Prove has also appointed a new Chief Technology Officer, Rahul Singh, a former Amazon and Twilio executive known for his expertise in scaling engineering organizations.
Updated Council of Europe Guidelines Warns Against Biometric Voter ID
The Council of Europe has issued new guidelines under “Convention 108,” warning against the use of biometric systems for voter registration and authentication unless traditional identification methods have been proven inadequate. The guidelines highlight the sensitivity of biometric data, emphasizing its potential to infringe on privacy and human rights if misused. They call for a clear legal framework governing the use of biometric technology, specifying accuracy standards and prohibiting the processing of biometric data to infer sensitive characteristics such as race or health. The guidelines stress the need for high security standards, transparency in procurement and deployment, and public accountability to ensure that biometric systems respect privacy and democratic rights.
Seychelles Makes Digital ID Mandatory for Work Permit Holders
Seychelles has introduced SeyID, a new digital identification platform, which has become mandatory for all new work permit holders as of September 17, 2024. The virtual ID system aims to improve efficiency within the Department of Immigration and Civil Status by reducing administrative tasks, expediting identity verification, and minimizing in-person visits. Work permit holders and Seychellois citizens abroad can access their digital IDs via the SeyID website or mobile app, although citizens still have the option to retain a physical ID. In conjunction with SeyID, the government has launched CertExpress, an online platform for obtaining digital versions of birth, marriage, and death certificates, further streamlining processes for local residents and the diaspora. The SeyID platform was developed in partnership with Swiss cybersecurity firm WISeKey, and has been integrated with eGovernment services since its official launch in November 2022.
Isle of Man Looks to Facial Recognition for Port Security
The Isle of Man plans to deploy facial recognition technology to secure its ports as part of its new “Securing Our Island Strategy,” announced by Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson. The strategy is built on three pillars: “Prevent,” “Protect,” and “Pursue,” aiming to enhance border security and combat criminal activities. Facial recognition will be introduced at air and sea ports, alongside technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), to improve the identification of criminals and terrorists. A bill enabling the use of this technology by law enforcement is expected to be introduced to the House of Keys by January 2025. The initiative is designed to make border security more efficient while balancing the need to protect the Island from threats and allowing legitimate travelers to move freely. The Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency, is part of the Common Travel Area, which permits free movement between the UK, Ireland, and nearby islands.
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September 18, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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