Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
IDEMIA, SpruceID, MATTR Among NIST NCCoE’s mDL Project Partners
The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) has initiated a collaborative research and development agreement (CRADA) with 15 technology providers and industry experts to advance the first use case of its Mobile Driver’s License (mDL) project. The project aims to integrate mDLs into financial services, ensuring they meet customer identification requirements. Key participants include Idemia, SpruceID, MATTR Limited, and other industry leaders. The project will produce reference architectures and guides to address the cybersecurity, privacy, and usability challenges of mDLs, with efforts organized into three phases: Define, Assemble, and Build.
Former NY DMV Deputy Commissioner is FaceTec’s New VP of Government Relations
FaceTec has appointed Owen McShane, the former Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, as its new Vice President of Government Relations. McShane brings decades of experience in investigating auto theft and fraud, having first joined the New York DMV in 1991 and eventually rising to the position of Deputy Commissioner. In his new role at FaceTec, McShane will leverage his extensive background to strengthen the company’s relationships with government entities, law enforcement, and identity security organizations, focusing on the application of FaceTec’s sophisticated face biometrics and liveness detection technologies to combat identity fraud. His appointment follows a series of strategic hires at FaceTec.
Australia’s Information Commissioner Calls Off Clearview Inquiry
Australia’s Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has decided to cease its investigation into Clearview AI, a facial recognition firm accused of breaching Australian privacy laws by collecting biometric data without consent. Despite concerns about Clearview AI’s practices, the OAIC determined that no further action was warranted, though it upheld an earlier ruling that prohibits the company from collecting images of Australians and mandates the deletion of any previously gathered data. The decision has drawn criticism from digital rights advocates, who worry that the company might continue unauthorized data scraping. The OAIC plans to issue further guidance on AI-related data practices to ensure compliance with privacy laws. This comes as public opinion in Australia shows support for the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement and healthcare providers, but significant discomfort with its use by private companies, underscoring the need for clear regulatory frameworks.
NIST Publishes Second Draft of Digital Identity Guidelines, Invites Comment
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released the second draft of its updated Digital Identity Guidelines (SP 800-63 Revision 4), which aims to enhance secure access to services while accommodating various identification methods. This revision follows extensive feedback from stakeholders and introduces significant updates, including expanded guidance on emerging technologies such as syncable authenticators (passkeys) and digital wallets. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of maintaining access for individuals using traditional identification methods, including in-person identity proofing. NIST has incorporated expert input to refine biometric verification practices, focusing on accuracy, privacy, and the availability of alternative options. The draft is open for public comment until October 7, 2024, and a webinar is scheduled for August 28, 2024, to discuss the updates.
North Carolina OKs Student Mobile ID for Voter Identification in Presidential Election
The North Carolina State Election Board (NCSBE) has approved the use of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s digital ID, known as the Mobile UNC One Card, for voter identification in the upcoming November 5 general election. The decision, which was passed by a 3-2 vote along party lines, allows students and employees to use their digital ID stored in Apple Wallet as a valid form of identification for voting. This marks the first time a mobile ID will be used for voting in North Carolina. However, the decision has sparked debate, with concerns raised about whether a digital ID meets the statutory requirements for voter ID, as some argue the law mandates a physical identification card.
‘Captured’ Platform Aims to Streamline Event Photography with Facial Recognition
A new photography platform called Captured has launched, aiming to revolutionize event photography by using facial recognition technology to streamline the process of discovering and purchasing event photos. Users can find their photos by simply uploading a selfie, making the process faster and more convenient. Captured enters a competitive market with platforms like SpotMyPhotos, Premagic, and Memzo, all of which leverage similar facial recognition technologies to enhance the event photography experience. However, the use of facial recognition raises significant privacy concerns, particularly regarding the collection and storage of biometric data. In regions such as the European Union, strict regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) require explicit user consent and strong security measures. In the U.S., state laws like Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) pose additional legal challenges.
Thales Exec Elected IBIA Chair
Neville Pattinson, Head of Business Development and Strategic Marketing at Thales Group’s Digital Identity & Security Biometric Solutions division, has been elected as the Chair of the International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) Board of Directors, with his two-year term beginning on August 1, 2024. In his new role, Pattinson highlighted the growing significance of the biometric and identity technology industry in enhancing security, privacy, and convenience for individuals, governments, and organizations. He expressed his commitment to addressing industry challenges alongside other experts on the IBIA Board. The IBIA, established in 1998, continues to advocate for the responsible adoption of biometric and identity technologies, working with policymakers, media, and the public to promote understanding and clear misconceptions about these technologies.
California FRT Opponents Shoot Down Another Regulatory Effort
Another attempt to establish a regulatory framework for police use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in California has failed. California Assembly Bill 1814 (AB 1814), introduced by Assembly Member Phil Ting, aimed to prohibit law enforcement from using FRT matches as the sole basis for probable cause in arrests or searches. It also sought to prevent judges from issuing warrants based solely on FRT matches and allowed for damages up to $25,000 for violations. Despite passing the California Assembly, the bill was rejected by the Senate Appropriations Committee. This marks the third time in five years that California has rejected similar legislation, amid opposition from civil rights groups and racial justice advocates who argued for a complete ban on government use of facial recognition technology. Critics of the bill believed that it would have legitimized and expanded the use of FRT by law enforcement under the pretense of regulation.
Tennessee University Launches Mobile Student ID
Tennessee’s Austin Peay State University (APSU) has launched the Govs Mobile ID, a digital identification system that will replace physical ID cards starting in the Fall 2024 semester. The digital IDs, distributed through the Transact eAccounts app, will allow students to access campus facilities and services directly from their smartphones. The project, officially approved in 2022, included a soft launch in January 2024 to address potential issues, such as ensuring functionality even if a phone’s battery dies. Physical cards will remain available for students without compatible devices, and the mobile IDs will also support campus debit accounts like Govs Bucks, enhancing convenience for the university community.
—
August 23, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
Follow Us