Identity News Digest – July 19 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:

Biometric Beer Vending Machine Comes to Columbus

Columbus, Ohio, has introduced its first beer vending machine using face biometrics to verify users’ ages. The system was deployed by Land-Grant Brewing Co. in its Franklinton taproom in collaboration with local startup VendGuard. It requires customers to insert their physical ID into a reader and undergo a facial scan. The facial recognition system matches the ID with the customer’s face, allowing them to purchase from a selection of craft beers. The machine also checks IDs against a database of known fake IDs. Land-Grant Brewing co-founder Adam Benner emphasized that the vending machine improves customer service speed without compromising safety.

Hong Kong, Macau Use QR Codes and Biometrics to Speed Cross-border Travel

Hong Kong and Macau have implemented a new system allowing permanent residents to use QR codes and biometrics for border crossings to streamline immigration and clearance processes. The initiative removes the need for physical documentation by using QR codes alongside fingerprint and facial recognition technologies, enhancing traveler convenience and efficiency between the two regions. Future plans may extend the QR code system to non-permanent residents, but currently, only permanent residents aged 11 or older can register for the e-channel services. Registration can be completed at self-service machines, and the QR code or ID card can be used for e-channel services within three hours of registration.

Advocacy Group Sues San Francisco Over Allegedly Illegal Use of Facial Recognition

San Francisco’s city, county, and police departments are being sued by the non-profit Secure Justice for allegedly using facial recognition technology (FRT) despite its ban under the 2019 Surveillance Technology Ordinance. The lawsuit highlights error rates in identifying individuals with darker skin tones and women, citing a 2018 study showing up to a 35 percent error rate for darker-skinned women. Secure Justice’s Executive Director, Brian Hoffer, noted wrongful arrests and incarcerations affecting Black individuals due to FRT misuse. Secure Justice claims documents obtained in 2021 show SFPD violated the FRT ban by outsourcing its use. The SFPD has reportedly not complied with the Surveillance Ordinance since July 2021, ignoring directives to submit proposed use policies for existing technologies. Secure Justice seeks court orders for SFPD to submit impact statements and policies or cease using the technologies, along with attorney fees and court costs.

‘Three Protocol’ System Promises Cryptographic, Completely Pseudonymous Digital IDs

Three Protocol has announced the development of decentralized digital IDs, known as ZKi3s, which offer a privacy-focused alternative to centralized digital IDs and KYC processes. Incubated by Tectum Labs, Three Protocol aims to facilitate online commerce for unbanked and debanked communities by eliminating the need for national identification or biometric details. ZKi3s use zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) and blockchain technology to ensure user privacy and security. These pseudonymized IDs are blockchain entries that showcase a user’s online relationship history and reputation, verified through ZK-Stark proofs without revealing personal information. Three Protocol also incorporates AI to update products and services in real-time and introduces DAIOs to enhance decentralized decision-making. The algorithmic formulas for ZKi3s will be publicly available, enabling integration by digital platforms and online marketplaces.

With Japan’s Support, Vanuata Expands MIDAS Border Program

Vanuatu has successfully implemented a new border management information system, MIDAS, and an eVisa website at Port Vila International Airport, with support from Japan and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). MIDAS, which collects and processes biographic and biometric data, has been expanded to additional travel hubs, including Port Vila seaport, Santo International Airport, and Santo seaport. The project also includes a new immigration office and a MIDAS Training Room at Port Vila seaport. The eVisa system aims to streamline visa applications by allowing travelers to apply online, make payments, and receive electronic approvals quickly. This initiative also supports work permit applications for overseas workers. The Japanese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Okuda Naohisa, praised Vanuatu’s commitment to the project, and Minister of Internal Affairs, Johnny Koanapo, highlighted plans to integrate an Advanced Passenger Information (API) system to further enhance border security.

British Biometric Pub Security Effort Gets Extra Funding

The Southampton Business Crime Partnership (SBCP), managed by GO! Southampton, has secured funding to extend its facial recognition technology program and support other crime-fighting initiatives in the city center. The additional £2,243 will continue the facial recognition efforts after a successful three-month trial across seven venues. This initiative, launched by the BID, security firm Synergy Security, and local businesses, uses Reveal body-worn cameras equipped with facial recognition to identify and alert door staff about banned offenders. Offenders are recognized through the Red Card scheme, enforcing a ‘banned from one, banned from all’ policy. The funding, part of a broader £32,793 awarded to various projects, was provided by Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

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July 19, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala