The US is Ready for Data Sharing With the EU – 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:

US Meets EU Data Sharing Commitments

The United States has met its obligations for the impending EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which is meant to enable advanced intelligence sharing between the country and partners in the European Union, including the sharing of citizens’ biometric data. In a statement, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said the development was “the culmination of months of significant collaboration”, and emphasized that the framework will protect citizens’ rights and personal information. The framework includes a “redress mechanism” for citizens of the US and EU – as well as the “qualifying states” of Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Norway – enabling them to bring grievances to a proposed “Data Protection Review Court”. It’s now up to the EU to finalize the EU-US DPF on its end, which is anticipated to occur upon a meeting of EU officials later this month.

Australian Advocacy Group Details Stadiums’ Use of Facial Recognition

The Australian consumer advocacy group Choice has published a report indicating that several stadium venues on the country are or may be scanning visitors using facial recognition technology. Venues that are confirmed to be using the technology include Qudos Bank Arena, Allianz Stadium, Sidney Cricket Ground (SCG), and Melbourne Cricket Ground. Responding to Choice’s inquiries, the operator of Allianz and SCG insisted that its venues abide by privacy guidelines, and that the organization does not monetize facial recognition data. Other venue operators post signage at certain locations indicating that biometric technology is being used.

Precise’s New EVP Sees EV Opportunities

Precise Biometrics’ new EVP and Chief Commercial Officer of its Algo unit, Joakim Nydemark, says that he expects the emerging electric vehicle market to “open many new opportunities” for the company, while smartphones and consumer electronics will continue to be a key business area for the fingerprint recognition specialist. Nydemark has been on the job for only a few weeks now, and offered his views in a profile published by Precise. He added that he believes biometric door locks are “still in an early phase” of their development, and that his experience in business and sales operations in China, Korea, Taiwan, and the US will come in handy.

Thales Unveils ‘TrUE Biometrics’ Initiative

Thales’ EVP of Digital Identity & Security, Philippe Vallée, has announced the company’s new “TrUE Biometrics” initiative, whose acronym stands for “Transparent”, “Understandable”, and “Ethical”. Vallée explains that Thales seeks to be transparent about the rules that guide its technology’s development and design and how it handles data, and that it aims to ensure that its technology’s use is understandable and justifiable. Thales also seeks to ensure that it always follows the law and promotes equality. “With power comes great responsibility, and any organisation that develops cutting-edge technologies must ensure that they deliver responsible products for both users and service providers,” Vallée explains.

Thailand Launches Digital ‘ThaID’

Thailand’s Interior Ministry has announced the official launch of “ThaID”, a mobile identity app designed to help residents access government services online. Part of the country’s “Thailand 4.0” strategy, the digital ID saw an initial rollout for access to select services earlier this year, starting with services under the Internal Affairs Ministry. The Thai government says it is now supported by 50 state agencies and 24 private organizations, and that 3.5 million people have already signed up. Citizens are able to register for the digital ID remotely through an identity verification system that uses facial recognition technology, the Bangkok Post reports.

Former Digital ID Head is California’s New CTO

California Governor Gavin Newsom has named a key architect of the state’s budding digital ID system as its new Chief Technology Officer. Jonathan Porat had previously served as California’s Chief Technology Innovation Officer, a role that included overseeing its “Digital ID” project, which the state has been testing out with partner agencies. The news comes after the Chief Digital Transformation Officer at the California Department of Motor Vehicles revealed that his agency was preparing for a digital ID pilot that could launch later this summer.

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July 5, 2023 – by Alex Perala