The GSMA Gets a GDPR Fine – 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:

Digital Identity Drives Thales’ Q1 Revenues

Thales’ revenues increased 9.4 percent in the first quarter, with particular strong growth in its Digital Identity & Security business, which saw a 20.1 percent jump in sales. The company has also been buoyed by demand in the travel sector, with CFO Pascal Bouchiat telling reporters that the firm sees “airlines in recovery mode”; orders of biometric passports have shown brisk business. Thales is thought to be a contender in the bidding for a rumored sale of its rival IDEMIA, or at least IDEMIA’s identity business. The company has also seen strong sales in its defense business, attributable to the tense geopolitical climate in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

FTC to Restrict Facebook’s Facial Recognition

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has accused Facebook of misleading parents about its protections for children and has proposed new privacy measures as well as a prohibition on any profit generation for Facebook from the use of minors’ data. Among the proposals are “expanded limitations on using facial recognition technology,” according to a Reuters report. Facebook’s use of facial recognition was a factor in a $5 billion fine issued by the FTC in 2019; and went on to dial back its use in 2021.

ID4Africa to Host Augmented General Meeting

ID4Africa will host its 2023 Augmented General Meeting from May 23 to 24, under the banner of “Digital Identity as Public Infrastructure”. The in-person event will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, with a virtual broadcast to follow on June 7 and June 21. ID4Africa is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting robust identity ecosystems across the continent, and is headed by Executive Chairman Joseph Atick, who will participate in FindBiometrics’ May 17 online event, “Biometrics and Mobile ID on the Innovation Highway”.

London Food Bank Uses Facial Recognition to Deliver Aid

A London-based food bank is letting its clients use a face-scanning system to pick up their donated food, thanks to a partnership with the social enterprise FaceDonate. The aim is to help those in need to avoid the stigma of lining up for food, allowing them to confirm their identity and eligibility and to order their groceries using their mobile device. It also helps to fight fraud and enables the Hackney Foodbank to know exactly where its donations are going. The food bank has seen a dramatic uptick in users, in part due to high levels of food and energy inflation in the United Kingdom.

Former Google Exec Is Cerence’s New CTO

Cerence has appointed Iqbal Arshad as its new Chief Technology Officer. Arshad is an accomplished tech veteran who has held senior roles at companies like Google, Motorola, and Lenovo. In announcing his appointment at Cerence, the automotive voice interaction specialist emphasized Arshad’s involvement in the creation of “industry-first categories, including the original Droid smartphone, Google’s first Android tablet computer, the first mobile AI voice assistant, and the first Android Wear smartwatch.” Cerence CEO Stegan Ortmanns said Arsha’s extensive experience would prove valuable in the company’s ongoing efforts to develop AI technology.

Currency Exchange Kiosks Feature ICU Biometrics

Switzerland-based ECEX Group is using facial recognition technology in its Automatic Currency Exchange (ACE) machines to ensure that users don’t exceed their transaction limits. The biometric technology was provided by UK-based Innovative Technology, in the form of a device called the ICU Pro. ACE machines featuring the facial recognition system are now in operation in Geneva Airport, the Billund Airport in Denmark, and the Boryspil Airport in Ukraine, as well as a Hilton and Opera Hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine.

GSMA Gets GDPR Fine

The GSMA has reportedly been fined €200,000 for the use of facial recognition technology at its annual Mobile World Congress industry event in Barcelona, where the biometric technology was used for venue access control. The fine was levied by the Spanish Data Protection Agency, or “AEPD”, under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. The GSMA is a global, non-profit industry organization representing the interests of mobile network operators and affiliated businesses and groups.

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May 5, 2023 – by Alex Perala