Identity News Digest – May 29, 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:

Retail Tech Startup Raises $30M in Series A

Aisles, a retail technology company based in Portland, Oregon, has closed a Series A funding round, securing $30 million to further develop and deploy its AI ecosystem. Aisles’ biometric security system, TRUSTIS, uses facial recognition and other biometric markers to reduce fraud and increase customer security. The company also offers AI-powered tools like AISLES for store navigation and SAVES for personalized deal-finding, designed to improve the shopping experience. Aisles has over one million active users and generating more than $15 million in annual net profit.

IDEMIA Leads French Government’s Counter-Deepfake Consortium

IDEMIA is assisting the French government in combating the growing threat of deepfakes through the A Prototype Assessment Toolbox for Forensic Experts (APATE) project, launched in 2022 and funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR). The project aims to develop advanced forensic tools for detecting deepfakes, providing reliable methods to help forensic experts bring cases to court. IDEMIA leads a consortium including the French Service National de Police Scientifique (SNPS), LRE-EPITA, École Polytechnique, and ENS Paris Saclay, combining their expertise to create a comprehensive deepfake detection toolbox. This toolbox will employ techniques such as analyzing noise, blur, compression, speaker recognition, and anti-spoofing methods.

Ford Patents Face-based Vehicle Entry System

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a facial recognition entry system designed to unlock vehicles using biometric technology. The patent describes a camera-based system that scans the driver’s face to verify their identity before granting access. To address potential failures in facial recognition due to factors like poor lighting or changes in appearance, the system includes a backup authentication method involving a secret code. The innovation is part of Ford’s ongoing exploration of advanced vehicle access technologies, building on its previous use of biometric systems such as eye-tracking in vehicle interiors. This move aligns with industry trends, as seen with LG Electronics’ 2022 patent for a biometric ignition system using facial expressions and hand gestures.

Police in Greater Toronto Area Get Face-based Search Capabilities

Two police services in the Greater Toronto Area, the York Regional Police Service and Peel Regional Police Service, have started using facial recognition technology provided by IDEMIA to improve the efficiency and accuracy of mugshot searches. The technology automates the image comparison processes, scanning and comparing lawfully collected digital evidence stored in their databases, and follows consultations with the provincial information and privacy commissioner. Both police services emphasized that the technology would not use live video or social media footage, but would only compare suspect images with existing mugshots. The development follows previous controversy in 2022 when Toronto police were found using Clearview AI’s software without proper oversight.

Mexican Ferry Terminal to Get Biometric Surveillance Security

The Cozumel ferry terminal in Mexico will become the first in the country to implement facial recognition technology for enhanced security, similar to systems used in major ports across the United States and Europe. Announced by the state government of Quintana Roo and APIQROO’s General Director Vagner Elbiorn Vega, the upgrade includes installing advanced surveillance equipment like security arches and closed-circuit television systems. These measures aim to improve traveler safety through better coordination with federal, state, and municipal authorities, private service providers, and the Navy. The new biometric cameras will significantly boost security at the San Miguel dock, which currently uses metal detectors, X-ray machines, and military personnel.

SITA Sets Sail with New SmartSea Business

SITA has launched a new subsidiary, “SmartSea,” to bring its digital transformation technology to the maritime sector, and announced a partnership with Columbia Ship Management (CSM). SmartSea aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the maritime industry, which is considered to be 10 to 15 years behind air transport in technology adoption. While the specific solutions implemented with CSM were not disclosed, SITA’s previous innovations include biometric passenger processing systems and digital travel credentials. SITA CEO David Lavorel emphasized that SmartSea will leverage data, digitization, and advanced technology to modernize the maritime sector, addressing challenges similar to those in air travel, such as managing crew, passengers, baggage, and freight.

HYPR, Crowdstrike Team Up on Risk-based Authentication

HYPR has partnered with cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike to enhance risk-based authentication by integrating HYPR Adapt with CrowdStrike Falcon XDR. Announced at the Identiverse event in New York, this collaboration aims to extend endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities across various security layers, including network, cloud, and email environments. HYPR Adapt provides adaptive authentication by continuously assessing identity-related risks from user behavior, device status, and contextual signals to dynamically adjust security measures. The joint solution will use data from both HYPR and CrowdStrike to adjust authentication and verification requirements based on comprehensive risk assessments, offering FIDO-certified multi-factor authentication with support for biometric security.

Case Study Details Bhutan’s Pioneering Digital ID Effort

A new report on Bhutan’s National Digital Identity (NDI) system, developed in collaboration with the Trust over IP (ToIP) Foundation, highlights its role as a pioneering digital trust ecosystem. Officially launched in 2023, the NDI system is built on Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) principles, empowering individuals to control their personal data and digital identities. The initiative is part of Bhutan’s Digital Drukyul Flagship Program, aiming to enhance public services and foster a robust digital economy. The NDI system issues verifiable credentials, such as IDs, residence permits, and academic certificates, using decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and blockchain technology to ensure privacy, consent, and transparency in data transactions. Governed by the National Digital Identity Act of 2023 and the NDI Governance Framework, the system ensures compliance with regulations and international standards, supported by trust registries and revocation services.

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May 29, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala