NIST Offers FRTE Update at Age Assurance-focused Biometrics Institute Event

The Biometrics Institute has put the spotlight on age assurance technology as a means of protecting children and other vulnerable individuals online. In a recent On the Pulse Conversation, experts discussed advancements in face analysis, focusing on privacy-enhancing technologies that can determine a person’s age without needing their personal identity.

The association’s On the Pulse Conversation series allows Institute members to connect globally and discuss important topics related to biometrics as they arise. The conversations are held under the Chatham House Rule, meaning they are off-the-record to encourage open dialogue among participants and stakeholders.

Patrick Grother, Testing Lead at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), presented an update on NIST’s Face Recognition Technology Evaluation report during the latest meeting. Several industry leaders, including Anna Convery-Pelletier from Jumio, Faouzy Soilihi from Unissey, Fernanda Sottil from Incode, and Robin Tombs from Yoti, also shared their insights on age assurance developments.

Biometrics Institute CEO Isabelle Moeller highlighted the need to balance the pursuit of the potential technological benefits of this technology with rigorous testing.

“Face analysis technology has the potential to make a significant impact in protecting vulnerable individuals,” she said. “However, it’s essential to approach this with caution, continuously test the technology across age groups and populations, and prioritise privacy and ethical considerations. This aligns with the third Law of Biometrics, which emphasises technology and understanding the algorithms used, datasets and operating environments to balance risk with user experience and ensure a positive experience for all.”

Collaboration across the biometrics industry was another key theme of the conversation, with participants advocating for joint efforts to create effective, privacy-centric solutions. Public education on age assurance technologies was also stressed, ensuring transparency and clarity around the technology’s application.

These themes will be further explored at the upcoming Biometrics Institute Congress in October 2024, in which experts from organizations like Meta, Ofcom, and NIST will discuss the latest trends in biometrics and further explore how these technologies can protect vulnerable populations.

–

September 4, 2024 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team