Identity News Digest – June 27, 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:

ID R&D Gets US Patent for Tech to Fight Voice Deepfake Threat

ID R&D has been granted a US patent for its technology titled “Method and Device for Unlocking a User Device by Voice” (US 11,941,097 B2), credited to co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Konstantin Simonchik. The patent focuses on enhancing the security of voice-based device interactions through advanced voice biometrics and anti-spoofing measures. The technology aims to address the growing threat of deepfake voices, providing robust authentication to prevent fraud and unauthorized access. ID R&D’s President, Alexey Khitrov, emphasized the importance of innovative technology for secure user experiences across various devices. The company has been proactive in tackling deepfake threats, with a strong background in presentation attack detection and top rankings in NIST’s facial PAD evaluations.

In Texas Biometrics Lawsuit, Google Wants to ‘Investigate the Investigator’

In a legal battle, Texas has requested that a judge block Google from questioning the state and its legal team in a lawsuit accusing the tech giant of unlawfully collecting biometric data of millions of Texans without consent. Texas argues that Google’s demand to depose the state on various topics, including definitions within the privacy law, is an impermissible tactic to “investigate the investigator” and would impede the state’s efforts to address public harms. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accuses Google of deceptive trade practices and violating state law protecting biometric identifiers like faces, fingerprints, and eye scans. Texas claims Google collected this data through products such as Google Photos, Google Assistant, and Nest Hub Max. Google, denying any wrongdoing, argues that the Texas biometric privacy law had been unenforced for twenty years until recent cases against Google and Meta.

Google Pilots Facial Recognition Security at Kirkland Campus

Meanwhile, Google is piloting facial recognition technology for campus security at its Kirkland, Washington office. Managed by Google’s Security and Resilience Services (GSRS) team, the system uses interior security cameras to collect and compare facial data from employee badge images to identify unauthorized individuals. Employees cannot opt out of facial screening but can choose not to store their ID images by completing a form. The need for enhanced security measures is underscored by past incidents, such as a 2018 shooting at YouTube’s San Bruno office. The initiative follows other security-related measures by Google, including proposals for increased security at its Mountain View headquarters after layoffs and protests.

Facial Recongition Factors Big Into Hyundai’s ‘Robot Total Solution’

Hyundai Motor Group has introduced its DAL-e Delivery and Parking robots, incorporating facial recognition technology for smart office buildings as part of its “Robot Total Solution” initiative. The DAL-e Delivery robot, developed by Robotics LAB, uses AI to enhance delivery efficiency and features a facial recognition system with a 99.9 percent accuracy rate, allowing it to autonomously navigate environments and verify recipient identities for accurate deliveries. Similarly, Hyundai WIA’s Parking Robot employs AI and facial recognition to optimize parking by maneuvering vehicles into tight spaces and confirming vehicle owner identities, while the Smart Parking Control System can manage up to 50 parking robots simultaneously. These innovations will be initially deployed at Factorial Seongsu, a smart building managed by IGIS Asset Management, with plans for broader expansion.

World Bank Provides $45.5M for Nigeria’s National Digital ID Program

The World Bank has now provided $45.5 million to Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as part of the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project. The funds, disbursed in tranches between December 2021 and April 2024, contribute to a $430 million project approved in February 2020, co-financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association, the French Agency for Development, and the European Investment Bank. The ID4D project aims to significantly increase the number of Nigerians enrolled in the National Identification Number (NIN) system, particularly focusing on marginalized groups. The NINs have risen to 107.34 million as of May 2024, up from 104 million in December 2023, with a target of 200 million by 2025. NIMC has re-engaged Idemia to upgrade its biometric systems as part of these efforts.

Worldcoin Gets Infrastructure Partner for Digital ID Blockchain

Worldcoin has partnered with Alchemy to provide the infrastructure for World Chain, its new blockchain focused on digital ID. Alchemy, a web3 development platform, will integrate World ID into its toolset, enabling global developer access. World Chain, linked to Worldcoin’s digital ID system which verifies users via iris biometrics, will work within a larger blockchain network known as the Superchain, alongside Optimism, Coinbase, and the Ethereum ecosystem. Verified World ID holders will benefit from priority blockspace and a free gas allowance, optimizing the blockchain for real users over bots. With over 5.8 million orb-verified World ID holders and more than 10 million World App downloads, the transition from OP Mainnet to World Chain aims to enhance user verification and application development. The developer preview of World Chain is expected to launch soon, with a full launch anticipated later this year.

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June 27, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala