Identity News Digest – June 6, 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:

HYPR Raises $30M via VC Firm Silver Lake Waterman

HYPR has secured $30 million in funding from Silver Lake Waterman, a growth capital provider for later-stage technology companies. The funding will support the development and deployment of HYPR’s technologies, which focus on protecting organizations and individuals in the digital landscape. HYPR has seen significant growth in passkey adoption among its clients, increasing usage by 77 percent last year. The company’s customers include Fortune 50 companies, and it has strategic alliances with IDEMIA, Okta, and Ping Identity. The investment follows HYPR’s recent partnership with CrowdStrike, integrating HYPR’s FIDO-certified multi-factor authentication with CrowdStrike’s Extended Detection and Response solution to enhance security across multiple layers.

Biometrics Play Key Role in World Bank’s Digital ID Plans for Lebanon

The World Bank has published a pair of reports, “Lebanon ID Diagnostic” and “Lebanon Digital ID Use Cases,” arguing for the role of digital identity in Lebanon’s digital transformation. The reports highlight the importance of biometric data, such as fingerprints, in ensuring reliable identity verification through the national ID (NID) card system. They identify challenges like outdated data and lack of interoperability between systems, and propose a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that includes electronic signatures and digital authentication services to improve service delivery and reduce fraud. The World Bank calls for legal and regulatory reforms to support the digital ID infrastructure, ensuring data privacy and security.

Paravision, Control ID Team Up on Customizable Biometric Access Control

Control iD has partnered with Paravision to launch the iDFace Max, an access control system featuring high-accuracy facial recognition technology. The iDFace Max uses Paravision’s AI capabilities to ensure secure and seamless entry, even under challenging conditions or when faces are partially obscured by masks. The device includes two 1080p Full HD cameras, a 7-inch touchscreen, and multiple connectivity options for versatile installation, along with embedded web software for managing access rules, monitoring entries and exits, and generating detailed reports. Paravision’s optimization of its AI models for embedded applications further enhances the functionality of the iDFace Max system, marking a significant development in biometric access control technology.

After Facebook Settlement, Texas AG Launches Privacy Enforcement Team

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has established a new enforcement team focused on the state’s biometric privacy legislation. The initiative follows Paxton’s recent settlement with Facebook over alleged unauthorized collection and storage of biometric data. The new team will enforce laws such as the Data Privacy and Security Act, which mandates businesses to obtain consent before processing sensitive data, and allows Texans to access, delete, or stop data collection for advertising. The team will also tackle issues related to unauthorized data collection, financial harm to consumers, and the irresponsible use of artificial intelligence.

Eurotunnel’s Biometric EES Kiosks Will Be ‘Idiot-Proof’: Official

Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, has announced its readiness for the biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) set to launch in October, despite concerns from officials about potential travel disruptions. The EES will electronically record biometric data, such as facial and fingerprint scans, of non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area, replacing manual passport stamping. Initially proposed in 2013, the project has faced multiple delays due to technical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Getlink has invested £70 million in facilities for the biometric screening process, with Chief Corporate and Public Affairs Officer John Keefe asserting that the system is designed to handle peak traffic efficiently and is “idiot-proof.”

Startup waIt.id Offers ‘Decentralized Identity Playbook’

Vienna-based digital ID startup waIt.id has published the “Decentralized Identity Playbook,” which provides a comprehensive guide for organizations on designing and implementing decentralized identity systems and digital wallets. The Playbook traces the evolution of digital identity from siloed and federated systems to decentralized models that enhance privacy and security by allowing users to control their own data through digital wallets. For implementation, it suggests a five-step approach: identifying opportunities, selecting use cases, defining requirements, choosing between building or buying solutions, and launching pilot projects before scaling up. The Playbook emphasizes the use of open-source solutions and provides checklists for evaluating technical requirements and vendors. Founded in 2021 and backed by Speedinvest, waIt.id offers an open-source identity and wallet infrastructure platform.

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June 6, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala