Identity News Digest – July 5, 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:

Is a New TikTok Toy the Latest Deepfake Threat?

Akool, a Silicon Valley-based generative AI startup, has launched a new tool called “Web-Based Real-Time Face Swap,” which allows users to swap another person’s face with their own in real-time video streaming. Marketed as a solution for creating engaging social media content and enhancing virtual events, the tool uses high-precision facial recognition to seamlessly blend faces. Despite its entertainment and marketing pitch, the launch raises concerns about deepfakes, which can misrepresent real people and create synthetic identities online. Akool, founded by CEO Jiajun Lu in 2022, offers a free trial and an API for developers and businesses.

‘BER Biometrics’ Takes Flight at Berlin Brandenburg Airport

After a successful two-week test phase, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has officially launched its facial recognition service, BER Biometrics, for passengers departing from Terminal 1. The new contactless service allows travelers to navigate the terminal without needing to show their boarding passes at various checkpoints. Passengers can use BER Biometrics at self-service kiosks, a control lane entrance, and a column in front of the Tegel lounge. The matching data is deleted after the flight, while passengers manage their stored data independently via the SmartDepart app. Registration involves submitting a selfie through the app and matching it with a live image taken on-site. Despite the digital convenience, passengers must still carry official travel documents, and access to all airport services remains available without using BER Biometrics.

Another Canadian Police Service Implements Biometric Detainee Health Monitoring

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is the latest police service in Canada to launch a biometric health monitoring system to enhance the safety of detainees. Implemented last month at the HRPS Central Lock-Up in Oakville, Ontario, the system provides continuous, real-time monitoring of vital health metrics such as heart rate and respiratory rate. Using radar-based sensors, it ensures timely medical assessments for detainees, significantly reducing risks, especially in light of the increasing presence of dangerous narcotics like fentanyl. Earlier this year, the Thunder Bay Police Service launched “CustodyProtect,” a similar biometric monitoring pilot project, followed by implementations by the Regina Police Service and the Barrie Police Service, highlighting a growing trend in Canadian law enforcement.

Former Google, Apple Execs to Play Key Role in Worldcoin’s Digital ID System

Tools for Humanity (TFH), the company behind the Worldcoin crypto-ID project, has appointed former executives from Google and Apple to key roles in overseeing its digital ID initiatives. Co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Alex Blania, TFH aims to establish a global digital ID program through Worldcoin, which uses biometric data to create unique, verifiable identities on a blockchain platform. Rich Heley, who has held executive roles at Apple, Meta, and Tesla, is now TFH’s Chief Device Officer, responsible for the design and performance of the iris-scanning “Orbs” used to register users. Ajay Patel, previously head of Google Payments and Digital Identity, will lead the product strategy for World ID, Worldcoin’s identity component. Additionally, Damien Kieran, formerly of X (formerly Twitter) and BeReal, has been appointed Chief Privacy Officer, and Adrian Ludwig, previously Google’s director of Android security, will serve as Chief Information Security Officer.

Curaçao Launches Mobile ID System for Airport Entry

Curaçao has introduced the Curaçao Express Pass, a passenger pre-processing system that uses mobile and biometric technology to expedite entry at Curaçao International Airport. Officially launched by Minister of Justice Shalten Hato on July 1, 2024, the system allows travelers to complete part of the identity verification process remotely. Passengers use the Airside Digital Identity App to create a digital ID by taking a selfie, scanning their passport’s MRZ, and reading the NFC chip. This ID, stored only on the user’s phone, is shared with Curaçao border officials upon arrival. At the airport, eligible passengers can use eGates where facial recognition technology verifies their identity, enabling contactless entry. The second phase of the program will introduce digital guidance totems by December.

Investor Demands ‘Due Diligence’ Changes from Israel-linked Camera Maker

ASN Impact Investors is urging Dutch tech firm TKH Group to establish stringent due diligence policies after reports indicated its cameras are used in a biometric surveillance system in East Jerusalem, which Amnesty International links to Israel’s monitoring of Palestinians. Established in 1993, ASN manages over €4.2 billion. The firm has given TKH one year to comply or face divestment. Previous reports have highlighted Israel’s use of facial recognition in systems like its “Red Wolf”, which surreptitiously collects Palestinians’ face biometrics, and “Blue Wolf”, a mobile app that is designed to match known Palestinians against a face database.

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July 5, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala