Identity News Digest – May 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:

Biometric Data Breach Impacts 80% of El Salvador Population: Report

In a major security breach impacting El Salvador, a hacker group named ‘CiberinteligenciaSV’ has leaked the personal information of over five million people, accounting for more than 80 percent of the country’s population. The leaked data, totalling 144 GB, includes high-definition photos alongside citizens’ identification numbers, names, birthdates, phone numbers, email addresses, and residential addresses. The breach’s origin remains unclear amidst misinformation and potential false flag operations. Although initial speculations suggested a link to El Salvador’s government-backed Chivo Wallet, these claims have been contested.

Secret Bulgarian Group Is Developing Biometric Access System for Public Events

In Bulgaria, an undisclosed team is developing an AI-powered biometric access system known as “Rock 2″ to regulate access to public events such as football games and concerts. Funded by a significant €7.38 million investment under Bulgaria’s “Innovations and Competitiveness” Operational Program, the system will use biometrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition to verify attendees, eliminating the need for traditional tickets or wristbands. The project, which is partially funded by €4.46 million from the EU and the remainder from private sources, will feature AI-driven scanners that check biometrics against pre-registered data to ensure secure, authorized entry. It also includes behavioral analytics for enhanced security measures.

Biometric eGates Deployed as NEOM Goes Full Steam Ahead

The NEOM airport in Saudi Arabia has introduced new biometric passenger screening technology, enhancing the travel experience with a sophisticated, contactless e-Gate system. The deployment and NEOM itself are part of Saudi Arabia’s extensive digital transformation initiative under “Saudi Vision 2030,” aimed at modernizing the country and boosting its economy through high-tech developments. The system was recently examined by Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Yahya, Director General of Passports, and is the result of a collaboration between his office, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and the National Information Center.

Microsoft Enables Passkey Login for Consumer Accounts

Microsoft has expanded its passkey login feature to all consumer accounts, now supporting not only Windows 11 but also other Windows versions, Android, and iOS devices. The move allows the use of facial recognition, fingerprint scans, or PINs for signing into their Microsoft accounts, moving away from traditional passwords. Passkeys use a dual cryptographic key system – one stored on the user’s device and another with the service provider – leveraging WebAuthn technology to enhance security and streamline the login process across various platforms such as Gmail, PayPal, and iCloud. The company plans to further enhance passkey support for mobile app logins in the near future.

Draft Bill Would Establish Formal Worldcoin Regulation in Argentina

An Argentinian lawmaker has introduced a draft bill targeting the regulation of Worldcoin and its biometric data collection operations in Argentina, specifically its use of iris-scanning technology. The legislation, proposed by Carlos Puglelli, aims to increase consumer protection through enhanced transparency and oversight, mandating the Provincial Directorate for the Defense of the Rights of Consumers and Users to supervise Worldcoin’s activities. The move follows concerns about privacy as Worldcoin operates over 50 iris-scanning centers across the country, prompting investigations from both local and national data protection agencies.

Bitcoin ‘Maximalist’ Launches Worldcoin Rival

MicroStrategy, led by Michael Saylor, is entering the digital ID market with the launch of its “MicroStrategy Orange” protocol, utilizing Bitcoin blockchain technology. Unlike Sam Altman’s Worldcoin, the system eschews biometrics, and instead embeds decentralized digital identities (DIDs) using Bitcoin’s Segregated Witness (SegWit) feature. Announced at the MicroStrategy World Conference, this approach is meant to establish secure, immutable identities to combat frauds like spam and AI deepfakes, positioning Bitcoin as a privacy-preserving alternative in digital identity verification. The move contrasts sharply with Worldcoin’s reliance on Ethereum for its biometric-based ID solutions.

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May 6, 2024 – by Alex Perala and Cass Kennedy