Identity News Digest – May 1, 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:

Bank of Ireland Makes Big Bet on Voice Authentication

The Bank of Ireland is investing €34 million to overhaul its call center operations, incorporating voice biometrics for customer authentication as a central feature—a move that reflects a growing trend among global financial institutions to enhance customer service and operational efficiency through voice recognition technologies. Despite the advantages, this initiative comes at a time of heightened risk due to advancements in generative AI, such as OpenAI’s “Voice Generation” model, which can clone voices from brief audio samples.

Enhanced AI Avatars Respond Dynamically to a Conversation’s Mood

Synthesia has introduced its new Express-1 model, elevating its AI avatars to exhibit more life-like and expressive behaviors that closely mimic human interactions. The update allows the avatars to blink, adjust facial expressions dynamically, and deliver speech with human-like intonations, enhancing their application in business areas like staff onboarding and marketing. Companies like the BBC, Nike, and Google have already utilized these advanced avatars. Synthesia’s avatars are now capable of generating over 18 million video presentations in more than 130 languages. (Again we see concerns about the potential increase in sophisticated frauds stemming from this kind of AI tech.)

Prime Real Estate for Biometrics Vendors Opens Up in Virginia

Virginia-based RLI Solutions Company is facing bankruptcy and is selling a prime 380-acre real estate site in Clarksburg, West Virginia. This area is strategically important for biometrics vendors due to its proximity to key federal agencies like the FBI and the Department of Defense. The available site, promoted by Hilco Real Estate, offers over 180 acres of developable land, with 77 acres already prepared for construction, and is conveniently located near major shopping centers. The sale is mandated by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, with bids due by June 19.

SA NGO Turns to Bullet-Proof Playgrounds, Biometric Security Amid Gang Violence

In South Africa, the NGO Gun Free SA has proposed the construction of bullet-resistant glass playgrounds equipped with facial recognition technology and panic buttons. The effort, dubbed the Bulletproof Park Project, is designed to provide a safe recreational space for children, protecting them from stray bullets while playing. The playgrounds will feature a glass enclosure that can accommodate up to 24 children, panic buttons, and a direct police hotline to ensure quick response in emergencies. It’s a drastic but necessary response to the escalating violence affecting young lives outside of school premises.

New Helio Ring Tracks Pulse Data During Sleep

Zepp Health has launched the Amazfit Helio Ring in the United States, a smart wearable designed for athletes to enhance their performance and recovery tracking through biometric data collection. It pairs with compatible Amazfit smartwatches, integrating data into the Zepp App which serves as a centralized platform for viewing both workout data and recovery metrics. This includes detailed analyses of sleep quality, heart rate variability, and a daily Readiness score that advises on optimal training and recovery schedules. The product will be available from May 15th, 2024, and is set for a global release following the U.S. launch.

EUDI Wallet Could Set Template for Japan’s Digital ID

The EU and Japan have enhanced their collaboration in digital technology by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation on digital identities and trust services during their second Digital Partnership Council meeting in Brussels. The deal aims to harmonize digital identity systems between the two, using the EU Digital Identity Wallet as a potential model for Japan. The partnership also addresses advancements in AI, 5G/6G, semiconductors, and quantum technology, with plans for joint research initiatives. The next council meeting is scheduled for 2025 in Tokyo, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to this strategic partnership.

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May 1, 2024 – by Alex Perala and Tony Bitzionis