Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
SIA, IBIA Urge Congress to Reject FAA Amendment to Clip Biometrics’ Wings
The Security Industry Association (SIA) and the International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) have called on Congress to reject a proposal within the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization bill that would restrict the Transportation Security Administration from using facial recognition and other biometric technologies at airport security checkpoints. The proposal, introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley and John Kennedy, aims to limit the use of such technologies, including the CAT-2 machines and TSA PreCheck’s Touchless ID system, which are designed to streamline and enhance the security process. SIA and IBIA argue that this amendment is misplaced, lacks adequate committee review, and could potentially weaken aviation security, among other issues.
NY Budget Quietly Bans Biometric Fare Payments on the MTA
New York State legislators have included a provision in the latest state budget that prohibits the use of facial recognition and other biometric technologies for fare payment enforcement on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York City’s subway network. It was added without public debate and is part of the broader budget bill. The prohibition appears to focus specifically on the use of biometrics for fare payments, leaving open the possibility for the MTA to implement biometric technologies for other purposes, such as security enhancements on platforms, separate from fare collection systems.
Police Give Hooligans FRT Notice Ahead of Football Match
Ahead of the North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, police have implemented live facial recognition technology around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The technology will screen the crowd, matching individuals against a specific watchlist that includes those with outstanding arrest warrants, criminal charges, or court orders preventing them from attending the match. The system is designed to delete any non-matching images immediately, ensuring they are not stored.
CLEAR’s Biometric Screening Comes to Maui
CLEAR will begin offering its biometric passenger screening services at Maui’s Kahului Airport starting this Tuesday. Travelers who subscribe to CLEAR can use a dedicated line at the airport for identity checks using biometric data, such as fingerprints and eye scans, bypassing the need to present a traditional photo ID. Concurrently, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has announced adjustments to TSA PreCheck, which will now be located at Checkpoint 1, reflecting the growth in PreCheck enrollments.
Signicat Integrates Polish Digital ID System
Signicat, a leading provider of digital identity solutions in Europe, has integrated mojeID Poland into its platform, becoming the first non-Polish aggregator to do so. mojeID Poland is a bank-issued electronic identity system with a significant reach, used by 98 percent of Polish electronic banking users. The system offers two levels of assurance—low and substantial—and complies with both Polish Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and the European eIDAS standard, facilitating secure and streamlined identity verification processes.
Gait Recognition Gallops to Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs, a famous horse racing track in Kentucky, has announced that all horses participating in the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will be equipped with StrideSAFE biometric sensors to monitor changes in their gait, aiding in the early detection of potential injuries. The initiative is part of an extensive update to their “Safety from Start to Finish” program, which includes comprehensive out-of-competition testing, enhanced veterinary oversight, and strict medication regulations. The measures aim to bolster the integrity and safety of the competitions, ensuring a proactive approach to equine health management and safety at one of horse racing’s premier venues.
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April 29, 2024 – by Alex Perala and Tony Bitzionis
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