Two Steps Forward, One Step Back for Biometrics Accountability – 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:

Mixed Assessments of Accountability in Government Biometrics

A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report shows progress in how the Departments of Justice (DoJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) are handling the use of facial recognition technology. In its previous report (September 2023), the GAO had criticized these agencies for using facial recognition without proper staff training or policies in place to protect civil rights. However, the latest report, published March 8, highlights that both agencies have taken steps to address these concerns. DHS has finalized a department-wide policy governing facial recognition, which includes guidelines on limiting its use, protecting privacy and civil liberties, and ensuring proper testing. The DoJ has also developed an interim policy addressing similar concerns. Additionally, the report notes two of the seven agencies originally lacking training requirements have since implemented them.

On the other hand, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held a briefing on government use of facial recognition technology, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) declined to testify. Their absence drew fierce criticism from panel members, notably Commissioner Mondaire Jones. Jones alleged that the agencies are avoiding accountability regarding their use of the technology and, if given notice, would have advocated for issuing subpoenas. A HUD spokesperson has denied the direct use of facial recognition, but noted cooperation with the Commission. The DOJ said it is “in communication” with the Commission about its response.

Spanish High Court Affirms Worldcoin Suspension

Spain’s High Court has confirmed a temporary suspension of Worldcoin’s iris-scanning initiative due to ongoing privacy concerns. This decision follows a preliminary ban imposed by the country’s privacy regulator, which cited issues such as inadequate disclosure, the unauthorized data collection from minors, and restrictions on withdrawing consent. Worldcoin, initiated by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, seeks to establish a universal identity system by offering free cryptocurrency and digital IDs in return for iris scans. The project, having registered over four million users globally, faces scrutiny over its data handling practices, especially under the strict guidelines of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The High Court said that if the ban is eventually lifted, Worldcoin will be compensated for lost income.

Packaging Company Settles BIPA Lawsuit for Nearly $1M

Graphic Packaging International has agreed to a $997,000 settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The lawsuit centered around the company’s use of hand-scan time clock terminals at its Centralia plant. Plaintiffs claimed Graphic Packaging failed to obtain written consent before collecting hand scan data and did not have a written policy for data destruction, both requirements under BIPA. While Graphic Packaging denies wrongdoing, they have agreed to the settlement which will provide compensation to those whose hand scans were collected at the facility.

Yoti Reaches 99.9 Percent True Positive Rate

Yoti’s R&D team has reached a new milestone with respect to the company’s MyFace Match facial recognition solution, achieving a True Positive Rate (TPR) of 99.9 percent with their latest model. This high level of accuracy optimizes the technology for visa or passport style images, commonly used for verification purposes. Yoti’s technology also maintains a low False Positive Rate (FPR), crucial for minimizing incorrect matches. The company is currently undergoing evaluation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for their face matching solution and plans to submit their next model for evaluation in 2024.

FPC Gets New CFO

Fingerprint Cards has named Fredrik Hedlund as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective March 18. Having spent nearly a decade with General Electric earlier in his career, Hedlund has been based in Switzerland since 2009, serving in CFO roles for Nielsen until 2020, and then as Chief Growth Officer for the startup Daphne Technology. He will replace outgoing Fingerprint Cards CFO Per Sundqvist, who CEO Adam Philpott thanked for his service, highlighting his “key role in several important projects, not least in the financing area and in the ongoing Transformation Program.” The change follows FPC’s announcement of a new corporate structure toward the end of last year.

Korean University Pilots Biometric Payments

Kyung Hee University in South Korea is partnering with Naver Financial to introduce a biometric payment method in its cafeteria and cafes. Called FaceSign, the system uses AI-based facial recognition to facilitate payments. To use the service, students and visitors must first register their faces via the Naver Pay application and set up Naver Pay. The company plans to gather feedback from this pilot program and expand the service to other campuses, companies, and even amusement parks.

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March 11, 2024 – by Alex Perala and the FindBiometrics Editorial Team