Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
Brits in Spain Urged to Get TIE Cards Ahead of Biometric Entry-Exit System Implementation
The British Embassy in Spain has strongly advised British expats to obtain their Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) cards ahead of the upcoming implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), expected this fall. The EES will automate border control for non-EU travelers, requiring biometric data registration, but British residents with TIE cards will be exempt from this process. The Embassy warns that those using the older Green Certificate may face delays and complications under the new system, particularly when traveling within the EU. The EES will replace passport stamping, storing biometric and entry/exit data for three years, and easing frequent travel for TIE cardholders.
IDScan.net and Credence ID Collaborate on Mobile ID Acceptance for Businesses
IDScan.net and Credence ID have announced a partnership to integrate Tap2iD into the VeriScan platform for Windows, allowing businesses to seamlessly accept and verify state-issued mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) as easily as physical ID cards. Tap2iD is an IoT terminal that supports QR code scanning and NFC taps, enabling secure interactions with mobile IDs stored in digital wallets from Apple, Samsung, and Google. The integration will allow businesses to authenticate mDLs issued by more than 12 states, including California, New York, and Virginia. The platform aims to support both state-developed wallets and non-native applications, providing a comprehensive solution for mDL verification.
SIA Expands Biometric Advisory Board, Names NEC NSS Exec as Chair
The Security Industry Association (SIA) has expanded its Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board (IBTAB) by incorporating the former SIA Facial Recognition Working Group, appointing Austin Park, Director of Technology at NEC National Security Systems (NEC NSS), as the new chair. This strategic consolidation aims to enhance SIA’s expertise in biometric and digital identification solutions, strengthening its role in promoting the adoption of innovative technologies across the security industry. The expanded IBTAB will continue to guide SIA’s engagement with both private and public sector operators of critical infrastructure, focusing on securing assets, protecting identities, safeguarding data, and improving consumer experiences. Park, with over 25 years of experience in engineering biometric and AI solutions, is expected to lead efforts to advocate for these technologies in discussions with government officials, the media, and industry partners.
Indonesian Railway Plans Biometric Security Upgrade
Indonesia’s state railway company, KAI, is planning to implement a CCTV facial recognition system to enhance passenger safety by quickly identifying individuals who have committed crimes at stations. The upgrade will expand the existing CCTV system on KAI Commuter Lines, operated by KAI’s subsidiary PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI), which serves the Greater Jakarta area. KAI has been using facial recognition technology since 2020 but plans further investment to fully develop the system. While the company has already implemented Face Recognition Boarding at several stations to improve customer experience, this new initiative focuses primarily on security. KAI, which operates the majority of Indonesia’s rail transport services, including both passenger and freight, has been actively modernizing its infrastructure through projects that include track upgrades, train modernization, and digital ticketing systems.
Samsung Offers $1M Reward for Successful Attack Against Knox
Samsung has announced a $1 million bounty for anyone who can successfully hack into its Knox Vault, a secure hardware component used in Galaxy S and Z smartphones. This initiative is part of Samsung’s Mobile Vulnerability Program, aimed at identifying and addressing critical security vulnerabilities. The Knox Vault is a key feature of Samsung’s security infrastructure, providing a secure environment for storing and processing biometric data like fingerprints and facial recognition. It further isolates biometric credentials from the rest of the system, adding an extra layer of protection. To claim the bounty, hackers must demonstrate a remote, zero-click exploit on a fully updated device that bypasses the Knox Vault’s protections and gains access to sensitive data, all without user interaction. Successful submissions will be rigorously reviewed by Samsung’s security team.
ACSA Acknowledges Irregularities in Biometrics Tender, Suspends CIO
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has suspended its Chief Information Officer, Mthoko Mncwabe, amid allegations of misconduct related to a multimillion-rand contract for biometric and facial recognition technologies. The suspension comes after an internal investigation revealed prima facie evidence of irregularities in the tender process for a R115 million contract awarded to IDEMIA, intended to implement e-gate systems at South African airports. The contract required 30 percent to be subcontracted to a South African black-owned Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) or Qualified Small Enterprise (QSE). Local firm InfoVerge, initially partnered with IDEMIA, claims it was excluded from the project post-award and has taken legal action against both ACSA and IDEMIA. ACSA’s suspension of the CIO is a precautionary measure to ensure a thorough investigation, with further findings to be reported publicly.
Checkout.com Teams with Google Pay on Biometric Payment Authorization
Checkout.com has partnered with Google Pay to integrate biometric authentication into its payment processing services. The collaboration allows Checkout.com to offer merchants biometric verification methods, including facial recognition, PINs, and passwords, to enhance payment security and streamline the checkout process. The partnership leverages Checkout.com’s AI-powered ‘Intelligent Acceptance’ system, which dynamically selects the most effective authentication method for each transaction, optimizing both security and user experience. Initial trials showed improvements such as reduced checkout times and increased authentication success rates.
Indian Authorities Intensify Security Ahead of Independence Day Celebrations
Security agencies in India are set to deploy AI-based security systems at the Red Fort in Delhi for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. These systems will include CCTVs equipped with video analytics features such as facial recognition, vehicle number plate recognition (NPR), people movement counting, intrusion detection, and audio monitoring. The facial recognition technology will compare real-time images with a “Watch List” database to identify potential threats, while NPR technology will allow for real-time detection and recording of vehicle number plates. Over 700 CCTVs, including 150 with video analytics, will be installed, and more than 10,000 security personnel will be deployed to ensure safety during the event.
Australian Government Unveils ‘Trust Exchange’ for Digital ID Verification
Australia’s Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten, has introduced the Trust Exchange (TEx), a new digital ID project aimed at giving Australians more control over their personal information during identity verification. TEx, currently in development, would allow users to share only the necessary details from their government-held information via a digital wallet, enhancing privacy and security. This system could simplify everyday transactions, such as hotel check-ins, by enabling users to scan a QR code or use a tap-to-pay-like system to select what information to share. The project is part of a broader effort to implement the Government’s Digital ID legislation and is undergoing a proof-of-concept trial with an $11.4 million budget.
New York’s Mobile ID Surpasses 100,000 Users Since Launch
New York’s Mobile ID (MiD), a secure digital version of state-issued identification, has garnered over 100,000 users since its launch in June. Available on iOS and Android, the MiD allows New Yorkers to verify their identities through biometric authentication at nearly 30 TSA checkpoints, including those at LaGuardia and JFK airports. Developed to adhere to international standards like ISO, the app ensures that personal data is encrypted and accessible only with user consent. The DMV is also working to expand MiD’s acceptance across various sectors, including auto dealerships, financial institutions, and hospitality venues. Users can unlock the app using Face ID, Touch ID, or a secure PIN, and the app is expected to be integrated into more services both within New York and beyond.
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August 13, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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