Identity News Digest – July 17 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:

Facial Recognition Has Determined Which Football Team Has the Saddest Fans

A recent analysis by Sportsbook Review has identified the Atlanta Falcons as having the saddest fanbase in the NFL, based on AI-driven facial recognition technology. The study analyzed over 20,000 selfies taken at all 32 NFL stadiums, using AI to quantify emotions such as happiness, sadness, and anger. The findings revealed that nearly 10 percent of selfies taken by Falcons fans showed sorrow, the highest percentage in the league. This is the latest, albeit less practical, use of facial recognition technology in the NFL. Previously, the Cleveland Browns implemented Wicket’s facial authentication platform for their “Express Access” ticketing system, reducing entry times and operational costs. The Browns also expanded the use of this technology for facial Age Verification, Mobile Order Pickup, and the Express Beer program, which streamlines beer purchases using facial biometrics.

DIACC’s ‘PCTF Authentication Final Recommendation V1.2’ Lays Out Trusted Processes for Digital ID

The Digital ID and Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC) has released the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF) Authentication Final Recommendation V1.2, a significant step towards inclusion in DIACC’s Certification Program. This component ensures the integrity of login and authentication processes through eight Trusted Processes: Credential Issuance, Authentication, Authenticated Session Initiation, Authenticated Session Termination, Credential Suspension, Credential Recovery, Credential Maintenance, and Credential Revocation. The framework also specifies four Levels of Assurance (LOA) to gauge confidence in the authentication process, ranging from low to very high confidence, ensuring appropriate security based on the transaction’s sensitivity and risk. The PCTF aligns with industry standards, advocating for biometrics in combination with other authentication factors for enhanced security. By establishing consistent, repeatable authentication processes, the framework benefits various participants, allowing the reuse of credentials across multiple Relying Parties.

Singaporean Financial Authorities Look to Phase Out OTPs

Singaporean authorities have decided to phase out one-time passwords (OTPs) in the banking sector due to their vulnerability to scams and cyberattacks. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) have mandated that retail banks replace OTPs with digital tokens over the next few months. Digital tokens, which generate secure, time-sensitive codes on users’ smartphones, are seen as a more secure alternative to SMS-based OTPs. This move aims to reduce the risk of phishing attacks, although digital tokens are not without their own vulnerabilities, such as the potential for malware attacks on smartphones. Despite the inconvenience compared to SMS two-factor authentication, ABS Director Ong-Ang Ai Boon emphasized that the transition is necessary to prevent scams and protect customers.

Cheap SoM Can Support Facial Recognition, Other Apps

China-based MYIR (Make Your Idea Real) has announced the MYC-LR3568, an affordable System-on-Module (SoM) that supports facial recognition and other applications. Built around the Rockchip RK3568 system-on-chip, the module features four Arm Cortex-A55 cores, a Mali-G52 graphics processor, and a neural coprocessor capable of up to 1 tera-operation per second (TOPS) for machine learning and AI tasks. The neural coprocessor enables the MYC-LR3568 to run advanced AI programs, such as facial recognition, directly on the device, enhancing speed and security by eliminating reliance on external servers. The SoM supports Linux and Debian operating systems, making it versatile for various uses including IoT gateways, NVR storage, industrial control, human-machine interfaces, cloud terminals, and vehicle controllers. The MYC-LR3568 is priced at $65, with a cost-reduced version at $43.

Social Security Makes Login.gov Mandatory for Online Users

The Social Security Administration (SSA) now requires long-time users of its online system to switch to Login.gov for authentication, with the exception of those who have an ID.me account. This mandate affects users who created accounts before September 2021. The SSA, which began offering online services in 2000, integrated Login.gov in 2021 to enhance security and simplify access to services like benefit applications and account management. Login.gov, managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), provides a secure single sign-on solution for multiple government websites. With Hanna Kim recently appointed as Login.gov’s director, the platform is set to implement a selfie-based identity verification system. Additionally, the GSA’s “NextGen Login.gov Identity Proofing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)” program has enlisted eight vendors, including Socure, to develop advanced identity verification components.

Tinder AI Tool Will Find Users’ Hottest Selfies

Tinder has announced a new “Photo Selector” feature that uses biometric technology to help users find their most attractive selfie for the dating app. The AI-driven tool scans a user’s selfie photos and selects the one most likely to attract matches. After granting the app access to their phone’s photo gallery, users can choose from the AI-recommended images. The feature will roll out in the US later this month. In 2023, Tinder introduced “Photo Verification,” a facial recognition tool to verify that users’ profile photos match their actual appearance. It was followed by the “ID Verification” system in Australia and New Zealand, later expanding to the UK, Brazil, the US, and Mexico. That system matches users’ selfies to their physical IDs, enhancing safety and reducing catfishing. Verified users receive a blue checkmark on their profiles.

Invixium Acquires Real-Time Location Systems Specialist

Invixium, a Toronto-based company known for its touchless biometric solutions, has acquired Triax Technologies, a US firm specializing in Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) and workforce productivity solutions. Invixium’s products, such as the IXM TITAN and IXM TFACE, feature face and fingerprint recognition, liveness detection, and mask detection, catering to the growing need for contactless access control. The acquisition will allow Invixium to expand its offerings with Triax’s Spot-r platform, which uses wearable tags to transmit real-time data, enabling administrators to optimize workflow efficiency. Invixium President and CEO Shiraz Kapadia highlighted that the integration of Triax will enable the company to provide comprehensive end-to-end solutions that enhance both security and operational efficiency. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

July 17, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala