Identity News Digest – June 4, 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:

Facebook Reaches Settlement in Texas Biometric Privacy Lawsuit

Meta’s Facebook has agreed to settle a lawsuit with the state of Texas, which accused the company of using facial recognition technology to collect biometric data from millions of Texans without their consent. The lawsuit was filed in 2022 under Texas’ biometric privacy law, which allows for damages of up to $5,000 per violation. It centered on Facebook’s “Tag Suggestions” feature, which recognized friends in photos and suggested tagging them. Although Meta has stated that users were given clear notice and control over the feature, they announced discontinuation of the facial recognition system in late 2021. The specific terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, and both parties have requested a 30-day pause to finalize details.

New OmniVision Sensor Enables Face Scanning Even When RGB Sensor is Blocked

OmniVision has announced the OV01D1R, an intelligent CMOS image sensor that integrates human presence detection (HPD), infrared (IR) facial authentication, and always-on technology. Designed for the computing industry, the sensor enhances laptop security features while maintaining low power consumption and operates independently of the laptop’s RGB camera. This allows HPD and facial recognition features to remain active even when the RGB sensor is blocked by physical privacy shutters. The 1-megapixel sensor has a resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 frames per second, and uses a mono-IR color filter and PureCel pixel technology for high sensitivity and image quality. It is available for sampling now, with mass production is expected to begin in Q4 2024.

Face-scanning CAT-2 Kiosks Land at Buffalo Airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Buffalo Niagara International Airport has implemented new facial recognition technology with the Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) system to improve identity verification and combat fraudulent IDs. The CAT-2 units scan travelers’ photo IDs and capture real-time photos to verify their identity and flight status within three to five seconds. The touchless system can authenticate over 2,500 types of IDs, including various government-issued documents and travel credentials. TSA officials highlight that the system enhances security and maintains efficiency, particularly during peak travel times, such as the summer season, when passenger traffic increases. Travelers who opt out of photo capture can choose an alternative verification process, and real-time photos are deleted immediately after use to ensure privacy.

Colorado Amends Privacy Act to Strengthen Biometric Data Protections

Governor Jared Polis signed HB 1130 on May 31, 2024, amending the Colorado Privacy Act to strengthen protections for biometric data. The new provisions mandate that controllers provide notice and obtain consent before collecting or processing biometric identifiers, and restrict the sale or disclosure of such data without customer consent, unless necessary for transaction completion or required by law. The amendments also include requirements for companies to disclose detailed information about their biometric data practices upon consumer request, adopt guidelines for the destruction of biometric data, and prohibit purchasing biometric identifiers unless specific conditions are met. The law also outlines protocols for employers collecting biometric data and mandates responses to biometric data security breaches.

Swedish Government to Move Forward with Police FRT Amid Gang Violence

The Swedish government has announced plans to allow law enforcement to use real-time facial recognition technology from cameras in public spaces to identify individuals suspected of certain crimes. The decision comes in the wake of the European Union’s recent adoption of AI regulations, which generally ban real-time facial recognition in public but include exceptions for specific law enforcement purposes. The Swedish government initiated an inquiry in December to expand camera surveillance powers, with the findings coming in support of advancing the use of facial recognition for crime-fighting. The technology will be limited to serious crimes with a minimum four-year prison sentence and will require judicial authorization for specific investigations. The move is part of efforts to address the significant rise in criminal violence, including shootings, bombings, and gang-related activities.

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June 4, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala