Important Votes in the EU and Illinois – Identity News Digest

Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:

Provisional AI Act Approved in Landslide Vote

European lawmakers moved significantly closer to adopting the world’s first comprehensive AI regulatory framework, with 523 voting in favor a provisional agreement, 46 against, and 49 abstaining. The AI Act includes restrictions on government use of real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces. Such technology will now be limited to cases involving the investigation of serious crimes, the prevention of specific and genuine threats (such as terrorist attacks), and the search for suspects of serious crimes. This landmark legislation establishes the EU as a global standard-setter in the ethical regulation of AI, including biometric applications. Formal approval of the deal from EU countries is expected to arrive in May.

Colorado Cops Increasingly Rely on DMV Face Searches: Report

Colorado law enforcement agencies are increasingly using the state DMV’s facial recognition program to aid in investigations, according to investigative work by the local outlet 9News. Records show a steady rise in requests year over year, reaching 157 in the last fiscal year. However, DMV records also indicate that only around one-third of these searches result in a “possible match.” This increased reliance on facial recognition has raised concerns among civil rights groups about the lack of oversight and regulation surrounding its use. A 2021 Colorado law attempted to curb unrestricted use of facial recognition by law enforcement, but it’s unclear how many agencies are complying with the stipulated requirements.

Meta Fails to Block Further FTC Investigation

A U.S. appeals court has rejected Meta’s request to block the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from reopening its investigation into the company’s privacy practices. The FTC seeks to expand existing restrictions on Meta’s use of facial recognition technology, alongside introducing new measures against the company profiting from minors’ data. Meta argues that these changes exceed the scope of a 2020 settlement but, for now, the FTC probe will continue. The appeals court ruling highlights the ongoing regulatory pressure on Meta’s handling of biometric information.

Senate Judiciary Committee Approves BIPA Amendment

Illinois lawmakers have taken an important step towards modifying the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill changing how liability in BIPA lawsuits is calculated. The bill aims to lessen the significant financial burden on companies that violate BIPA. Currently, companies face $1,000 in damages for each violation, such as each instance of an employee using biometric information (fingerprints, facial scans) without proper consent. The proposed change would shift liability to a $1,000 per person basis, significantly reducing potential penalties. This change received support from Democrats, who framed it as making punishment proportional, but faces opposition from Republicans who want it to apply retroactively.

Attorneys General Push to Expand COPPA Protections

A bipartisan coalition of 43 state attorneys general is advocating for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enhance online privacy protections for children under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The push for updates reflects the drastic changes in the digital landscape since the last amendment over a decade ago, with a specific call to broaden the definition of “personal information” to include various forms of biometric data such as fingerprints, retina and iris patterns, DNA information, and even a child’s voice and stride. The attorneys general are also urging for stricter regulations to prevent the misuse of parental consent exceptions and the exploitation of push notifications by online platforms.

Ōura Launches ‘Pregnancy Insights’ Tool

Ōura, known for its smart ring technology, has introduced a new feature called Pregnancy Insights aimed at supporting expectant mothers by leveraging biometric data-driven insights into the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. The feature was developed by analyzing aggregate and de-identified data from ŌURA members to track changes in biometric markers throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy Insights offers weekly updates on gestational age, insights into physiological changes like heart rate and sleep quality variations, and access to evidence-based educational content. The feature also includes an anonymous feedback section to foster continuous improvement.

iProov Names Partnerships-Focused VP

iProov has named Leo Curran as its Vice President of Global Partnerships and Alliances. Curran comes to the role from a previous position as CYE’s VP of Global Business Development. Other recent roles include serving as UiPath’s Executive Alliances Leader for EMEA Alliances and Partnerships, and as VP and EMEA Channel Chief for Automation Anywhere. In a statement, iProov CEO Andrew Bud explained that his firm has a “partner-focused approach” based on the understanding that the best solutions will be the product of collaborations between different companies and technologies.

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March 13, 2024 – by Alex Perala and the FindBiometrics Editorial Team