Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
Uniken Takes Palm Vein Authentication to the Bank
Uniken, a provider of security and identity verification solutions, has introduced Palm Vein Authentication for banking, a contactless technology that uses unique palm vein patterns for biometric identification, enhancing security and convenience. With a low False Acceptance Rate and resistance to spoofing, the solution addresses concerns about unauthorized access and fraud. Uniken is making Palm Vein Authentication available to its global partners for wider adoption.
Idiap Researchers Take Physics-inspired Approach to Face Generation
Researchers at the Idiap Research Institute have introduced a novel approach for generating synthetic face datasets for facial recognition. The method, inspired by Brownian motion physics, uses algorithms like Langevin, Dispersion, and DisCo to create diverse and realistic synthetic faces while addressing privacy concerns. Their study indicates that models trained on these synthetic datasets perform comparably or better than those trained on real-world or GAN-based datasets.
MSC Cruises Welcomes Aboard Neurotechnology Biometrics
MSC Cruises, a major European cruise line, has implemented Neurotechnology’s Face Verification system in its mobile and web platforms to enhance the passenger pre-enrollment process. The system automates the capture and storage of passenger photos, ensuring they meet international security standards and facilitating smoother embarkation. The collaboration follows Neurotechnology’s recent advancements in biometric solutions, including updates to its SentiVeillance product line and regaining top ranking in NIST PFT III fingerprint recognition evaluation.
Biometrics, Advanced Tech Drive Swipeclock Acquisition
IRIS Software Group, a leading provider of accounting and payroll solutions, has acquired Swipeclock, a U.S.-based workforce management solutions provider. The acquisition will integrate Swipeclock’s innovative technologies, such as facial recognition time tracking, and geofencing, into IRIS’s Human Capital Management suite. The move aims to address the growing complexity of workforce management in the modern business landscape and provide comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Goodix’s Ultrasonic Sensor Gets First Smartphone Integration
Goodix’s ultrasonic fingerprint solution has been integrated into the Vivo X100 Ultra smartphone, marking the technology’s first large-scale commercial deployment. The solution uses CMOS sensor architecture and wafer-level acoustic processing to enhance security and recognition speed, even with wet or oily fingers. Goodix aims to further promote ultrasonic fingerprint technology by streamlining production and reducing costs.
Hacked Europol Data Pitched on Dark Web
Europol, the European law enforcement agency, has suffered a data breach resulting in sensitive information, including potentially classified documents, being sold on a dark web forum. Europol acknowledges the breach but downplays its severity, stating that no operational information was compromised. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of cyberattacks against law enforcement agencies.
Scotland ‘Leading the Way’ in Police Biometrics, Watchdog Says
Scotland leads in ethical biometric data use in policing, thanks to a legally binding code of practice established in 2020. The Biometrics Commissioner’s office has overseen compliance, leading to recommendations for improved data protection and management. A high level of public trust in police use of biometrics is evident from a recent survey. The Commissioner emphasizes the importance of prioritizing policy and process over technology, contrasting Scotland’s approach with less regulated practices in other regions.
Major Australian Bank Launches Digital ID App Ahead of National Program
Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s x15Ventures has launched Truyu, a digital ID app that alerts users to potential identity theft. The release aligns with the Australian government’s $288 million investment in digital ID and its upcoming trial of a new Digital ID system. Truyu, developed in collaboration with Supermassive and GBG, offers real-time alerts and protection against online identity misuse, independent of a user’s bank affiliation.
Digital ID Challenger Humanity Protocol Reaches $1B Valuation
Humanity Protocol, a decentralized identity project utilizing palm scanning technology, has raised $30 million in seed funding, reaching a $1 billion valuation. This funding will accelerate development of its blockchain-based Self-Sovereign Identity system, aimed at combating identity fraud and ensuring online security. The project’s rapid growth and emphasis on privacy-preserving biometrics positions it as a competitor to Worldcoin, another player in the digital identity space facing regulatory challenges.
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May 16, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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