Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about today’s world of digital ID and biometrics.
Irish Parliament committee hears evidence on biometric police technology
The Irish parliament’s justice committee, the Oireachtas, is hearing evidence from legal and technology experts on a bill that would give the Gardaí, Ireland’s police force, powers to retrospectively use biometric technology in investigations. This specifically concerns scanning surveillance camera footage related to serious crimes such as murder and robbery. The Oireachtas Justice Committee will hear from, among other things, the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI), the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Digital Rights, and a number of academics.
Police Scotland deemed it compliant with biometric regulations.
The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner has published its first annual assessment of law enforcement agencies’ compliance with the Scottish Code of Conduct, finding that Police Scotland ticks all the boxes. Chief Brian Plastow congratulated the police department in a statement. “Biometric data and technology is widely used for police enforcement and criminal justice purposes and makes a valuable contribution to the safety of communities in Scotland,” he said. “When used in a lawful, effective, appropriate, necessary and ethical manner, it also helps promote public trust and confidence.”
Washington Senate approves legal framework for biometric age verification
The Washington State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 6179, which establishes a clear legal framework for the use of biometrics to verify that consumers are old enough to purchase alcohol. Although such biometric applications are not currently prohibited in the state, the Liquor and Cannabis Commission suggested that it would be beneficial to draft clear guidance regarding biometric age checks. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives and must be approved by the end of the session on March 7 to become law.
Kentucky bill would require warrant for police biometrics
Kentucky Sen. Adrian Southworth has introduced a bill that would prohibit state and government agencies from using facial recognition in criminal investigations without a warrant. Under Senate Bill 180, information obtained using facial recognition without a warrant would be thrown out by the court. The bill would also prevent the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet from providing state and local law enforcement with access to databases of driver license and state ID data.
PopID provides biometric payment technology to JP Morgan
Los Angeles-based PopID provides biometric payment technology to JPMorgan. The latter has been experimenting with biometric payments since early last year, aiming to allow consumers to make purchases without presenting cash, card or even a smartphone app. PopID helped the company develop a platform that encourages users to register on their smartphones and confirm in-store payments with a finger or face scan. A phone is only required for the first registration session.
Singapore expands biometric screening program
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Department has announced plans to install an additional 230 automatic inspection lanes at border crossings, after installing 160 lanes last year. The country’s automated screening lanes are equipped with iris and facial recognition technology, and ICA says its goal is to provide a streamlined, contactless experience for all Singaporeans and departing citizens. It states that the next generation of automated border control systems will be introduced. Show your passport.
MLB’s emergency entry to Houston decided
Major League Baseball’s biometric stadium entry system will be installed at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The “go-ahead entry” system, which uses facial recognition to automatically identify registered ticket holders, was first piloted last year at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Currently, the system will be available to Astros fans on Opening Day after several days of testing during an exhibition game against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys scheduled for March 25-26. become. According to the Houston Chronicle, MLB officials plan to implement the system. This year we are going to all the stadiums.
Neurotechnology Announces MegaMatcher Upgrades
Neurotechnology has released MegaMatcher 13.1, the latest version of its flagship biometric platform. It features a new voice matching algorithm, optimized face template creation, and an enhanced MegaMatcher ABIS with Neurotechnology’s latest fingerprint algorithm. MegaMatcher ABIS now allows you to categorize your biometric database into hierarchical hierarchies, allowing for more sophisticated searches.
Portuguese mobile ID now legal
With the implementation of a new law, mobile ID apps in Portugal are now officially recognized as legal identification documents. The “id.gov.pt” mobile app allows users to store digital versions of their driving license, citizen card, DocumentoÚnico Automóvel (DUA) vehicle registration documents and their ADSE health card for civil servants. The new law states that these digital identity documents are “presumed to comply with the original documents and have equivalent legal and probative value.”
Digitization of statutory returns in Australia
Australians can now sign statutory declarations online using the country’s digital ID system, eliminating the need to visit a magistrate in person. As reported by InnovationAus.com, signers must hold either a “standard” or “identity level 2/2+” digital ID, depending on the type of document they are signing. “Level 2/2+” is an enhanced version of the standard level that requires additional verification, such as a facial scan that can match the user to a physical ID. Read the full story at Mobile ID World.
–
February 13, 2024 – Written by Alex Perala