Identity News Digest – June 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:

South Africa’s Airport Authority Begins Biometric Upgrade

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is progressing well with its R100-million (€4.9m) biometric and e-gate project, set for rollout within the next two years. The project, awarded to French company IDEMIA, aims to implement its Passenger Flow Facilitation (PFF) solution across nine South African airports. Using facial recognition technology, the upgrade is designed to streamline immigration processes, reduce transaction times, and enhance security. The project includes implementing OneID, a unique passenger identifier created through self-enrollment on the ACSA app, automating various airport processes and eliminating the need for physical documentation at certain touchpoints.

Face-based Railway Ticketing System Goes Live in Japan

The Yamaman Yukarigaoka Line in Sakura City, Chiba, has launched Japan’s first full-scale facial recognition ticketing system. This biometric system allows passengers to register their facial photo, credit card, and other details online. Cameras at ticket gates will confirm passengers’ identities and automatically charge fares to their credit cards. While paper tickets will remain available, magnetic tape tickets will be replaced by QR codes. According to senior official Yoshida Hideaki, the technology is expected to reduce ticketing costs by about 30 percent. The operator invested around 60 million yen (approximately $381,000), partially funded by government subsidies, to implement the system.

Deepfake AI Scammers Steal $11M from Crypto Account

Hackers used deepfake AI technology to drain an account holding about $11 million on the cryptocurrency exchange OKX. The compromise occurred within 25 minutes without triggering any email or two-factor authentication alerts. OKX, known for its high liquidity and advanced trading features, supports various trading options, including spot, futures, and margin trading. Star Xu, founder of OKX, stated that a sophisticated hacking gang used deepfake AI to bypass facial recognition security measures, gaining direct access to the account. Xu emphasized the audacity of these hackers, who misled victims into thinking the exchange was at fault for the theft.

Clearview AI BIPA Settlement Would Turn Claimants Into Shareholders

Clearview AI has agreed to a unique class action settlement over allegations of privacy rights violations affecting millions of Americans. The settlement, filed in a Chicago federal court, does not involve a direct monetary payout but offers claimants a theoretical stake in the company’s future value, potentially worth at least $50 million, including up to $20 million for attorney fees. The proposed settlement requires approval from U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman and does not admit liability. It follows a separate 2022 settlement with the ACLU, in which Clearview agreed not to contract with government agencies in Illinois for five years. The current settlement’s structure allows for meaningful relief to the class and potential value realization if Clearview undergoes an IPO, merger, or sale. Alternatively, a court-appointed settlement master may require Clearview to make a cash payment or sell the settlement rights to maximize recoveries.

iiDENTIFii Gets Luminary Status in Prism Financial Services Report

iiDENTIFii, a specialist in remote biometric identity verification, has been recognized as a Luminary in the latest Prism Financial Services report. iiDENTIFii’s CEO, Gur Geva, expressed excitement over the honor, underscoring the company’s adherence to stringent global standards for Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. The company’s patented 4D Liveness technology, noted for its robustness against deepfake and digital replay attacks, enhances security for digital transactions. Acuity Market Intelligence’s Financial Services Prism Report, released last month, projects significant growth for biometric technology in the financial sector, with global revenues expected to grow at a 41.2 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to over $40 billion by 2028.

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June 17, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala