Identity News Digest – May 7, 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:

US to Lean on Partnerships in New Cybersecurity Policy

The U.S. is refining its cybersecurity strategy by emphasizing strategic partnerships to safeguard critical infrastructure, as announced at the RSA Conference in San Francisco. This strategy is part of an overarching cyberspace and digital policy, and will encourage collaboration with international partners and the private sector. It also considers the implications of AI in cybersecurity, aligning with legislative efforts like the “Future of AI Innovation Act” to foster federal and private sector collaboration and establish AI standards.

Introducing Hand-based Age Verification

Haut.AI has developed a novel biometric technique called HandAge for estimating a person’s age using images of their hands, presenting a potentially privacy-conscious alternative to facial recognition. Published in the Experimental Dermatology Journal, the firm’s research showcased that HandAge could predict age with an average error of 4.7 years, which is close to the 4.1 years error of the firm’s FaceAge model for facial images. The study demonstrated that hand features such as wrinkles, knuckles, and bone prominence are significant age indicators, similar to facial features like wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

Walmart Hit with Another Time Clock BIPA Lawsuit

Walmart is facing a new lawsuit under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) for its use of fingerprint-scanning technology to track employee attendance. The lawsuit, filed by former employee Joann Davis, alleges that Walmart did not properly obtain consent from employees for collecting their biometric data, nor did it disclose how this data would be retained, used, or disposed of, as required by BIPA. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, this class action lawsuit represents other hourly workers employed by Walmart over the past five years.

Seasoned Biometrics Vet Joins ID R&D’s Leadership Team

ID R&D has announced the appointment of Peter Martis as its new Vice President of Growth. Martis, a seasoned veteran in the biometrics industry, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including Director of Global Sales at Neurotechnology and Regional Manager for Sales & Business Development at Nuance Communications. At Neurotechnology, he was pivotal in developing their SmartFace solution and a Digital Onboarding Toolkit for remote user verification. In his new role at ID R&D, Martis will spearhead strategic initiatives to expand the company’s market presence and introduce new products.

Met Police Accessed Controversial Face Search Site, Documents Reveal

The Metropolitan Police in London have come under scrutiny after it was revealed that officers accessed the facial recognition website PimEyes over 2,000 times in three months. The revelation emerged from a Freedom of Information request, highlighting concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of such technology. PimEyes, known for allowing users to search for images across the internet, has been criticized for enabling unchecked surveillance. In response to the discovery, the Metropolitan Police have blocked access to PimEyes on their devices and reinforced their commitment to stringent safeguards regarding facial recognition use.

Saxony, Berlin Cops Turn to Real-Time FRT to Fight Organized Crime

Authorities in Saxony have introduced a surveillance system with high-resolution cameras and real-time facial recognition technology, primarily to combat organized crime. The system, which is operational near Saxony’s borders and in Berlin for specific investigations, matches recorded data against a database of wanted individuals. The Berlin Senate Department for Internal Affairs, citing the system’s role in tackling serious crimes like vehicle theft and robbery, justifies its use under Section 98a of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which permits extensive searches in severe cases.

Thunder Bay Police Pilot Biometric Monitoring for Detainees

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) in Canada has launched a pilot project called “CustodyProtect,” featuring real-time biometric monitoring of detainees. This initiative, a collaboration with 4Sight Labs, marks the first use of such technology in Canada and aims to improve the safety and well-being of individuals in police custody. CustodyProtect seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional visual monitoring by enabling the detection of internal health issues through continuous biometric data monitoring, which can alert officers to critical health events requiring immediate intervention.

Seeking Payments and Digital ID Advantage, PE Firm Acquires Fime, UL Solutions

Gallant Capital, an LA-based private equity firm, has acquired Fime and UL Solutions, enhancing its portfolio in payments and digital ID sectors. Fime, based in France, specializes in the secure deployment of electronic transactions and digital banking solutions, providing testing, certification, and advisory services. UL Solutions, located in Illinois, is a safety certification company that helps businesses achieve compliance and enhance sustainability. The move aims to capitalize on emerging trends such as open banking, instant payments, central bank digital currencies, digital wallets, and digital identity.

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May 7, 2024 – by Alex Perala and Tony Bitzionis