Keyless Makes Strong Debut in NIST FRVT Program

Keyless has delivered an impressive performance in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) 1:1 Verification evaluations, marking its debut in this globally recognized benchmark for facial recognition algorithms. The results demonstrate Keyless’ sophisticated technology, particularly in the constrained, cooperative Mugshot category, where it ranked among the top 50 algorithms globally. This particular field is critical for enterprise identity authentication, law enforcement, and border control applications.

Keyless’ algorithm, identified as keyless-000, was tested across several scenarios, including VISA and MUGSHOT gallery and probe datasets, as well as BORDER scenarios. It achieved impressively low False Match Rates (FMRs) across all categories. In the Mugshot benchmark, which evaluates the algorithm’s ability to verify identities using images captured under controlled conditions, Keyless achieved an FMR of 0.00001 with a corresponding False Non-Match Rate (FNMR) of 0.0025, even when probe images were taken over a span of 12 years or more. This result underscores the system’s reliability for long-term identity verification.

In the VISA scenario, which evaluates performance using passport-style photos, the algorithm delivered a high-performance FNMR of 0.0031 at an FMR of 0.000001, confirming its suitability for travel and border control applications.

The algorithm also performed well in handling more challenging yawed images (e.g., VISA Yaw ≥ 45°), maintaining an FNMR of 0.0215. Yawed images refer to facial images where the subject’s head is turned at an angle away from the camera, such as to the side, rather than directly facing forward. These images are more challenging for facial recognition algorithms because they introduce variations in facial geometry and obscure some features.

Similarly, for BORDER and BORDER° datasets, Keyless achieved an FMR of 0.000001, with FNMRs of 0.0034 and 0.0215, respectively, reflecting consistent accuracy even in less controlled conditions. The BORDER° dataset incorporates variations in environmental conditions and poses that are less constrained than standard BORDER datasets, which often include more controlled capture conditions.

Keyless’ ranking in the Mugshot category is a particularly notable achievement for a debut performance, placing it among the top 50 globally and ahead of its direct competitors—an accomplishment made even more noteworthy given its commitment to privacy-preserving technology. Keyless says its Zero-Knowledge Biometrics solution ensures that no biometric data is stored on devices or in the cloud, helping to ensure its invulnerability to hack attacks and data breaches.

News of Keyless’ FRVT performance comes after a year of remarkable growth, with the firm having reported a 657 percent increase in its annual recurring revenue for 2024. Looking to further accelerate in 2025, Keyless ended the year with an expansion of its advisory board to include industry veterans Alessandro Profumo, former CEO of Leonardo and UniCredit; Francesco Caio, who previously led Cable & Wireless and Poste Italiane; Sarah Clark, former SVP of Digital Identity at Mastercard and General Manager at Mitek; and Charles Walton, a former Mastercard and Avast executive who brings experience in decentralized identity.

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January 14, 2025 – by Alex Perala and Cass Kennedy