Identity News Digest – July 12, 2024

Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:

Crypto Cards, Wallets, and Phones Make the Case for Biometric Privacy

Recent announcements from the crypto world highlight the increasing integration of biometrics in FinTech. Hong Kong-based COCA has introduced physical debit cards that merge cryptocurrency with traditional financial services. And these cards use “anonymous biometrics” and Multi-Party Computation (MPC) to secure sensitive information by distributing private keys among multiple parties, enhancing security and privacy. Meanwhile, Spain-based Privado ID has launched the “Privado ID Web Wallet,” using biometrics for “Proof-of-Uniqueness attestations” via device cameras. Additionally, Up Network has unveiled the “Up Mobile” smartphone, built on AI and blockchain technology using the Move programming language. The phone uses AI to create unique digital identifiers with facial recognition and fingerprint data.

Omnigarde Celebrates Rankings Leap in FRVT 1:1 Testing

Omnigarde LLC has announced that its AI-powered face recognition software, Omnigarde-004, has achieved a top-three ranking among U.S. companies and a top-15 global ranking in the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) 1:1 verification test. The Omnigarde-004 algorithm has reduced its average error rate by 25 percent compared to its previous version and by over 90 percent since its first release in 2021. The NIST FRVT 1:1 test evaluates face recognition software under various conditions, including mugshot-type images, border-taken images, and kiosk-taken images, and assesses factors such as memory usage, feature extraction time, and matching time. Founded in March 2021, Omnigarde focuses on developing advanced biometric technologies and has shown significant performance improvements in industry benchmarks.

OIX Teams with Canada’s DIACC on Digital Identity Interoperability

The Open Identity Exchange (OIX) has announced a partnership with the Digital ID Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC) to enhance the interoperability of digital identity systems globally. The collaboration aims to harmonize identity management and verification standards across different countries, fostering a secure and user-friendly digital ecosystem. OIX focuses on supporting interoperable identities and providing identity management guidance, while DIACC promotes secure digital identification through the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF). The partnership will work on recognizing and validating digital credentials and identity verification systems within diverse trust frameworks. By sharing best practices and promoting knowledge exchange, OIX and DIACC aim to create a unified approach to digital identity.

Innovatrics Halves Error Rate in Latest FRTE Performance

Innovatrics has achieved a significant milestone with its latest facial recognition algorithm, securing a top-13 ranking out of 152 global vendors in the NIST Face Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) 1:N benchmark. The new algorithm has halved its error rate, placing Innovatrics in the top 10 percent globally. Enhancements include an improved detection model, revised score computation, and an enhanced re-ranking algorithm. Jakub Sochor, head of Innovatrics’ R&D team, emphasized their focus on the VISA-BORDER and MUGSHOT-MUGSHOT benchmarks, where the algorithm demonstrated notable gains in matching faces during border crossings and within large photo galleries. These advancements will be integrated into production soon.

FPC Gets $1M Order from Provider of FIDO Solutions

Fingerprint Cards AB (Fingerprints) has secured a purchase order exceeding $1 million from a global provider of FIDO solutions. The order underscores the increasing demand for biometric authentication methods amid rising cyber-attacks exploiting compromised passwords. Biometric solutions are being sought as secure alternatives to traditional passwords, fitting into multi-factor authentication systems and enhancing IT security. Hila Meller, Chief Revenue Officer of Fingerprints, noted the growing interest in FIDO certified solutions and their role in Zero Trust networks, which emphasize secure identities and password-less authentication. The development follows Fingerprints’ recent collaboration with IN Groupe to launch a secure component solution for contactless biometric payment cards, aiming to meet the rising demand for contactless payments by simplifying manufacturing processes, enhancing reliability, and reducing costs.

DHS Awards Contracts for Privacy-Focused Digital ID Tech

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has awarded contracts to six startups—Credence ID, Hushmesh, Netis d.o.o., Procivis, SpruceID, and Ubiqu—to develop privacy-enhancing digital wallet technologies. This initiative aims to protect the privacy of individuals using digital credentials for immigration and travel, improving the security and confidentiality of digital interactions and enhancing the privacy, security, and safety of U.S. residents. The awards are part of DHS’s Privacy Preserving Digital Credential Wallets & Verifiers solicitation and will integrate open global standards established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Recently, Credence ID also announced a partnership with ZKTeco USA to integrate its mobile driver’s license technology into ZKTeco’s access control systems, promoting the acceptance of mobile IDs across various sectors.

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July 12, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala