Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
U.S. Commerce Dept. Bans Use of Kaspersky Cybersecurity Products
The U.S. Commerce Department has banned the use of cybersecurity products from Russia-based Kaspersky Labs, citing the company’s ties to the Kremlin as a national security risk. The ban extends to the entire American private sector, and follows a 2017 prohibition on the use of Kaspersky products in U.S. government systems due to concerns about the software being used to steal classified NSA data. The Commerce Department asserts that Russia could exploit Kaspersky to collect and weaponize Americans’ personal information. The Biden administration has previously expanded sanctions to include Russian biometrics companies like NtechLab, aiming to prevent the misuse of sensitive personal data for surveillance.
Paravision Brings Face-based IDV to Checkin.com
Paravision has partnered with Checkin.com to integrate its advanced AI-driven facial recognition technology into Checkin.com’s identity verification and user onboarding platform. The multi-year collaboration aims to enhance security and trust for Checkin.com’s enterprise clients, including major companies like Ryanair and Klarna, by addressing the increasing threat of online fraud and identity theft exacerbated by advancements in AI and Generative AI technologies. This follows Paravision’s recent collaboration with Control iD to launch the iDFace Max, an advanced access control system featuring high-accuracy facial recognition technology.
Another Canadian Police Force Embraces Biometric Detainee Monitoring
The Sarnia Police Service has implemented a new biometric monitoring system in its holding cells at its Christina Street headquarters, provided by GT Global Services Inc. The system tracks detainees’ heart rates, respiration, and body motion, activating only when a cell is occupied to alert officers of potential medical issues and enable timely intervention without compromising privacy. Inspector Michael Van Sickle noted that the system underwent fine-tuning over the past two weeks to ensure accurate monitoring. This initiative follows similar implementations by the Thunder Bay Police Service, Regina Police Service, and Barrie Police Service, enhancing detainee safety by supplementing, not replacing, traditional physical checks with advanced biometric monitoring.
Austria Launches Digital Proof of ID
Austria has launched a fully digital proof of identity within its digital ID wallet app, ‘eAusweise’. Developed by youniqx Identity, a subsidiary of the Austrian State Printing House, the digital ID is recognized as equivalent to traditional IDs and can be presented digitally to third parties, private individuals, and law enforcement authorities. The ID includes the holder’s first name, last name, date of birth, and portrait picture, adhering to data minimization and GDPR standards. The system aligns with the European Digital Identity Framework Regulation, eIDAS 2.0, and is compliant with ISO 18013-5. The move follows the recent launch of the eIDAS-Testbed by the go.eIDAS Association, aimed at deploying European Digital Identity Wallets for all EU citizens by 2026.
NZ Academics Warn of Risks in Tying Digital ID to Currency
New Zealand’s central bank has initiated a consultation on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), prompting concerns from the Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand (PSGRNZ) about the civil liberties risks posed by linking CBDCs to digital IDs. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) aims to gather public feedback on CBDCs, which are digital forms of fiat currency directly controlled by the central bank and capable of being programmed for specific uses. PSGRNZ warns that integrating CBDCs with digital IDs could enable unprecedented government surveillance and control over financial transactions, eroding privacy and individual autonomy. PSGRNZ calls for a six-year moratorium on CBDC trials to allow for a thorough assessment of the potential political, financial, and constitutional impacts, and urges greater involvement of public law experts and the general public in the discussions.
Belgium Launches Cryptomathic-secured Digital ID Wallet
Belgium’s Federal Public Service Policy and Support (BOSA), in collaboration with Cryptomathic, has launched a new digital identity wallet for Belgian citizens. The MyGov.be app, which aligns with the European Digital Identity Framework Regulation, eIDAS 2.0, allows users to access various digital public services and securely store official documents such as identity cards and driving licenses. To ensure high levels of security, the system employs Cryptomathic’s Mobile App Security Core (MASC), a tamper-proof security SDK that has protected over 100 million apps without any recorded security incidents. The app enhances secure communication and device binding, ensuring that even the state cannot access user information without consent.
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June 25, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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