Australia: Digital ID draft bill consultation

Australia: Digital ID draft bill consultation

Finance Minister of Australia, Katy Gallagher, last week gave a speech in which she presented feedback from consultations around passing a draft bill for the national digital identity initiative. Millions of citizens have already adopted a temporary digital identity, but with identity-related crimes accelerating, the federal government has stepped up to offer a permanent ID option.

The four-phase rollout includes clear trust guidelines for private and public partners and organisations storing data from digital IDs. These organisations also have a duty to report if digital IDs have been misused to commit fraud or counterfeited. In the first instance, mandate for the bill sets out a binding standard for accreditation and potential enforcement of certification of providers and partners assigned by the government to issue the digital IDs, establishing a trust framework using careful language to make them compliant.

Readily available state and regionally issued documents that validate a user is who they claim to be will be added to the framework and scheme for use with federal services. Slowly integrating digital ID use into the private sector and for government services,

Unfortunately data breaches occurring in organisations have demonstrated some non-compliance with legislations. Australis hopes with these measures to overturn the country to using mobile-based identity verification harnessing smart phones, government issued digital documents, and, in the future, blockchain to make the process secure and friction-less.

Increasing powers will be granted to the Australian Information Commissioner to protect information and ensure only necessary data from people’ IDs can be collected, stored, requested and shared securely.

MyGovID is a government authenticator app that supports a multi-factor authentication mechanism, using passwords, one-time codes and biometric scans, but new standards are changing this inherently flawed approach given its poor track record of securing information.

Referring honestly to the whole Australian population in her remarks, Senator the Hon, Katy Gallagher, said:

“When explaining what a Digital ID is to people who haven’t followed it closely… I say it’s like the online version of showing someone your passport or your driver’s licence to prove who you are, but it’s not giving them your licence to hold on to, or to scan and store on an unknown server or photocopy”.

She added the principles of the Australian Digital ID system were actually founded in 2014 under the former Government and 10.5 million Australians already own a Digital ID to access government services. While the scheme is evolving, she emphasised its unchanging values to be secure, convenient, voluntary, and inclusive.

 

 

#IdentityWeekAmerica 2023 opens doors on TUESDAY

#IdentityWeekAmerica 2023 opens doors on TUESDAY

Identity Week America 2023 is set to return on October 3-4, promising an unparalleled opportunity to explore the cutting-edge advancements in identity management.

Hosted at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC, this dynamic platform will bring together 3,000+ global leaders, innovators, and professionals from various industries to discuss, collaborate, and shape the future of identity.

Key highlights of Identity Week America 2023:

250+ Industry-Leading Speakers: Identity Week America has assembled an impressive roster of industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators who will share their knowledge and insights through keynote presentations and panel discussions.

They include: United Nations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, The White House, U.S. Payments Forum, OBIM, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, World Economic Forum, Air Canada, IATA, Netflix, Uber, R.B.C. Royal Bank, NIST, CBS Health, Delta, NEC, BNY Mellon, Unicef, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and many more!

In-Depth Discussions: Identity Week America 2023 will delve into critical issues such as identity technology, security, and compliance. Thought-provoking discussions will help attendees navigate the evolving landscape of identity management and provide practical insights and solutions they can implement in their organisations.

Exhibition: The event’s expansive exhibition hall with 250 exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge solutions, products, and services from leading companies in the identity industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest innovations in biometrics, cybersecurity, authentication, AI and more.

Roundtables: Identity Week America will feature interactive roundtables and hands-on sessions, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of identity-related agendas and current uses of technologies.

Startup City: Discover 100+ promising startups and innovative solutions in the identity space through our Startup City, offering a glimpse into the future of identity technology.

Identity Week America 2023 is a must-attend event for professionals seeking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of identity management. Whether you are involved in government, finance, healthcare, travel, technology, or any sector requiring secure and efficient identity solutions, this platform is designed to provide you with the knowledge and connections you need to succeed.

Registration is now open! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Identity Week America 2023. For more information and to book your free ticket, please visit our website.

GovCash initiative wins accolade

GovCash initiative wins accolade

GovCash’s civic tech design, which leverages emerging technologies like face verification, received the “Best Adoption Award” at the Techblazers ceremony in Singapore. The initiative enables unbanked citizens to claim their government benefits at enhanced ATM machines.

Those without a OCBC bank account will still be able to receive their payments with identity-based authentication creating a self-service for citizens.

GovCash is set up by the same agency that also administers the national social security savings scheme, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board, and the Government Technology Agency (GovTech).

With as little as a payment reference number, citizens can access their cash, which Seetoh Ee Mun, Senior Deputy Director of the Finance Operations & Treasury Department at CPF called “bold innovation”, and was rooted in the CPF Board’s core values of being agile, customer-focused and data smart.

Digital banking a first choice for consumers, cheques in the past 

The unstoppable rate at which banks and governments alike are attuning to identity-based verification and digital technology is beginning the outgoing process of some traditional tokens of payment and the ways we pay, e.g. using cheques. Mobile apps are facilitating the majority of digital transactions, including to receive some government payouts, however while there is still a need and desire to access cash from ATMs.

GovInsider reported that a steady stream of countries have decided to slowly ease off the production and issuance of cheques, out of kink with customers’ expectations and modern banking methods. Countries in the APAC region such as Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand have begun these plans, with the Monetary Authority of Singapore setting a deadline for 2025 to completely eliminate cheques.

The Central Provident Fund is continuously seeking to innovate and ensure the stability of their operations in the future.

GovCash uses GovTech’s digital wallet service and facial recognition through Singpass, Singapore’s trusted digital identity for its citizens.

A cashless society may not be the motivation for digital innovation right now, as cash payments rose for the first time in a decade in 2023 amid the Cost of Living struggle for many people. However, this number is dwarfed in comparison to the number of card users, accounting for half of all payments.

From conception to pilot, the prototype was developed in less than a year. A year following the transition from cheque to fast cash disbursement, emerging technologies are being embedded that will verify citizens while overcoming false photographs and masks etc.

Workfare Income Supplement, Workfare Special Payment and Training Commitment Award.

Photo source: Kua Chee Siong

TECH5’s technologies certified by the UK digital identity and attributes trust framework

TECH5’s technologies certified by the UK digital identity and attributes trust framework

TECH5, an innovator in the field of biometrics and digital identity management, has received a Certificate of Conformity certifying that TECH5 has been assessed and found to meet the requirements of the United Kingdom Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework.

The TECH5 SA ACCS /DISC certificate of conformance certifies a component supply to companies wishing to offer services to establish official identity for digital use and covers TECH5 contactless biometric capture for integration into client IdSP’s (Identity Service Provider) ID verification systems including liveness, identification, matching and Digital ID credential issuance.

The list of certified TECH5 technologies includes T5-AirSnap – a patented technology for face and fingerprint liveness detection and contactless biometric acquisition for mobile devices, T5-OmniMatch – a mission-critical multi-modal biometric matching platform, as well as T5-IDencode – a technology platform for issuance of encrypted digital credentials protected by biometrics.

Trust framework participants are certified against a set of UK government-approved rules. This means that one organisation can trust that the information another shares with them is accurate and reliable. To meet the rules of the trust framework, a certified provider needs to prove they are able to safely manage users’ digital identities or attributes.

The Certificate of Conformity serves as evidence that a digital identity system or service provider adheres to the specified standards and practices, ensuring that it meets the necessary security, privacy, and interoperability requirements outlined in the framework. It provides assurance to users, organizations, and regulators that the digital identity solution is reliable, secure, and compliant with the established guidelines, enhancing trust in digital identity processes within the UK. “We at TECH5 are delighted to become a Trust framework participant and receive one more proof that our technologies are compliant with the latest requirements and regulations to provide secure and inclusive digital IDs.” – Comments Andy Gray, Vice President Sales and Business Development for Europe at TECH5.

TECH5’s contactless capture, matching and Digital ID issuance platforms are available to certified TECH5 partners in the UK and globally, and are powering various projects across Government and Private sectors worldwide.

“The UK is one of the key markets for us, where TECH5 has a solid network of partners and a growing list of customers. We are looking forward to continue bringing value and our best-in-class technologies to the United Kingdom.” – Says Mr. Gray.

Rob Haslam, Strategic Advisor, added: “The UK is leading the way internationally on digital ID trust frameworks one of only a handful of countries so far to have implemented such an ecosystem – and this certification means that partners and customers in other parts of the world can also rely on TECH5’s innovative solutions with the assurance of one of the world’s leading frameworks behind them, even in countries where such frameworks are yet to be formalised.”

Interpol’s vast, predictive biometrics platform modernises policing

Interpol’s vast, predictive biometrics platform modernises policing

Real-time DNA and biometric matching data will be available to on-the-ground police forces who arrest offenders that have previously committed an offence.

Interpol, the international criminal police agency, reported an upgrade to modernise its data-processing platform, INSIGHT, where offenders’ identity data can be legally retained for a number of years or indefinitely under data protection laws.

Typically, if a suspect has not been convicted related to an offence, their captured biometrics must be deleted permanently from the police database, which would violate their rights.

It is also a common practice of international and national authorities like the police to share data of offenders with other organisations such as travel authorities, and vice versa.  The EU Commission struck a transatlantic data-sharing agreement with U.S. companies that demonstrated the purposefulness of data sharing to protect citizens’ security and to understand migration flow that could give countries a problem with known offenders moving to live elsewhere.

In the interest of all foreign authorities, police-enabled biometrics have stepped up investigatory techniques and outcomes in a modern age, expanding on the revolutionary discovery of DNA in the 1980s to utilising more modality biometric technologies (e.g. fingerprint recognition, iris, face) to build a person’s entire identity profile based on genetics and physical characteristics.

The U.S. State Department has ingested $12 Million so far to supporting police efforts and the quality of investigations.

Hailed “predictive analytics” based on quickly transferred internal data to police units, authorities can generate “visual, video, audio recognition, facial and bio-data matching”  without accusations of bias and intrusive surveillance on the public.

This innovative mechanism for data propels policing into modern times and aligns procedures with modern technology.

The next step to the future is likely to explore the blockchain, AI and identity capabilities for an in-house police messaging app.

Scheduled to launch in 2021, the initial-phase platform was described as a “minimal viable platform” that would compile all INTERPOL data sources, external entity data and intelligence to provide “operational and strategic analysis”. The scope of the work and expected timeline for completion was expanded after review in December, 2019.

In 2022, INSIGHT held over 125 million records. For delivery between 2024 and 2026, the platform’s further development will involve all external and internal agencies and expand data.

The platform was only funded in the first phase by the US State Department, with a call subsequently made for funding from European member countries.

Erected in a tight timeframe, while police will be able to leverage a vast predictive policing system, “tens of millions of euros” will be needed to “sustain new systems for data and biometric analysis that have not been fully funded”. 

 

Australia proposes plans for national skills passport

Australia proposes plans for national skills passport

The Australian government is seeking to green light a digital passport for workers who can exchange their verifiable career credentials with potential employers.

In the proposed plans, career documents will be turned into verifiable digital ID credentials on a platform similar to the Medicare app. With $9.1 million in public funding supporting the initiative, job seekers will be able to present or send their resume and career documents as immutable credentials.

A paper, published by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Monday, will confirm if the government intends to put proposed plans into action and seek approval for a digital skills passport  between industry, unions and tertiary institutions.

The scope of which credentials will be integrated, design and function is yet to be decided. With more people up-skilling themselves by gaining new qualifications, lining up multiple job offers or changing careers, the skills passport mimics a digital ID to help employers identify highly-skilled workers during the hiring process.

 

Calls for participants in GSA equity study on remote identity proofing

Calls for participants in GSA equity study on remote identity proofing

The GSA Equity Study on Remote identity Proofing calls for participants in agreement with criticism of current identity verification methods that fall short of enabling equitable access for everyone.

The survey condemns inadequate identity-proofing technologies across government when accessing services and benefits. The GSA states that government services are failing to verify users and promote bias in civic tech design that impacts user experiences for underserved communities. This makes it impossible for certain groups of people to access the services they need.

Whilst companies are eager to share their technologies, not all prove their worth as solutions to solve government identity-related challenges, verifying the genuine and legitimate human presence over a false entity.

While cybersecurity is a high priority for most governments nowadays, forthcoming with protecting their citizens’ data rights, citizens are still on the receiving end of disappointing attempts to verify their identities.

A open forum for all citizens’ views that hold a social security number (SSN), the survey will seek to understand how different methods to verify identities can improve this issue.

The GSA study conveys that remote identity-based verification should validate a user is who they claim to be by using readily available technologies like smart phones, blockchain and government issued digital documents to make the process secure and friction-less.

Moreover, to test performing identity proofing, participants will need to provide a ‘selfie’ photo as well as their photograph on a government-issued ID.

The survey makes clear that identity challenges including bias can affect people from diverse backgrounds.

The results and statistics from the study are expected to be published with peer-review in 2024.

Innovatrics unveils video injection attack detection to combat deep fakes and synthetic identity fraud at Identity Week America

Innovatrics unveils video injection attack detection to combat deep fakes and synthetic identity fraud at Identity Week America

As the digital landscape evolves, the ever-growing threats of deep fakes and synthetic identity fraud demand innovative solutions. Innovatrics, a global leader in biometric technology, is proud to introduce its Video Injection Attack Detection technology, a pivotal advancement in the ongoing battle against identity fraud.

According to an ID Analytics study, synthetic identity fraud constitutes a staggering 80-85% of all identity fraud, with the volume of incidents surging by 132% in 2022. Furthermore, the incidence of deepfake fraud in North America more than doubled from 2022 to Q1 2023. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for robust measures to protect individuals and organizations from these fraudulent activities.

“In response to this growing threat, Innovatrics’ Video Injection Attack Detection is an essential feature of our remote identity verification solution. Our state-of-the-art technology stack employs biometric face verification, comparing a user’s selfie with their ID portrait, while simultaneously ensuring liveness detection to confirm the user’s presence during the process,” explains Daniel Ferak, Innovatrics Business Unit Director. “Recognizing the rising use of video injection spoof attacks by fraudsters, Innovatrics’ advanced algorithms can now secure the camera used during identity verification, preventing video injection spoofs and man-in-the-middle attacks, “ he adds.

The client-side capture component of the Video Injection Attack Detection system not only acquires video frames but also captures crucial camera details, encrypting the data for server-side evaluation. With the capability to differentiate genuine physical cameras from fraudulent video injections, integrators, service providers and end users can enhance security during remote identity verification processes.

Innovatrics will be showcasing its Video Injection Attack Detection at the upcoming Identity Week America 2023, set to take place on October 3-4 in Washington D.C. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the Innovatrics team at booth no. 526 and take part in their engaging presentation tackling deepfakes prevention.

Two NIST studies evaluate face recognition software

Two NIST studies evaluate face recognition software

State-of-the-art facial recognition technologies are now credited with the feat of total bias mitigation.

NIST, a leading industry standards test for face recognition software, released two research publications since the split of its Face Recognition Vendor Test program into two divisions – The Face Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) and Face Analysis Technology Evaluation (FATE).

The Face Analysis Technology Evaluation (FATE) track is being conducted to support assessment of “quality component algorithms” that implement quality checks of acceptable subject photos. Along with standards for face analysis software, subjects must also adhere to measures that helps algorithms to identify their physical characteristics clearly, such as ensuring a front-facing view, open eyes, a neutral expression, and a neutral background.

The track delivers clear checks on facial photographs that derive from ISO/IEC 19794-5:2011, a standard which established subject and photo-capturing requirements to enrol images into the European Entry-Exit-System.

Facilitating quality tests, both tracks are designed to inform “developers, end users, standards processes, and policy and decision makers” about the technical capabilities of biometric algorithms.

Various frontal and non-frontal images were evaluated in the Part 11 track to assess the software’s ability to detect pose estimation accuracy, while human inspection was used to identify some measures to blur images.

The purpose of the assessment in the FATE track was not to detect blurry images used in a variety of applications, such as applying for a new passport, but rather to assess the face analysis quality of software.

Joyce Yang, who co-published one study, wrote that the 20 tested algorithms had mixed results.

NIST.gov reported that the results will contribute to a developing standard — ISO/IEC 29794-5, which outlines the guidelines for quality algorithm checks to detect faults within  images.

Seven algorithms from five developers were tested against 20 measures based on international passport standards.

The algorithms should be capable of detecting false images based on poor photo quality or deliberate alterations or disguises of the person’s physical identity.

The first study, co-wrote by Ngan, addressed the “accuracy of passive face presentation attack detection (PAD) algorithms”, titled Face Analysis Technology Evaluation (FATE) Part 10: Performance of Passive, Software-Based Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) Algorithms. 

A NIST Research Laboratory team also operated a rapid evaluation of 2D imagery, presentation attack instruments in algorithms to detect attacks in still and video imagery of human faces.

This assessment required 82 algorithms volunteered by 45 developers to determine non-attack images versus demonstrable presentation attacks. Nine measures used in presentation attacks were considered, including identity theft and trying to create a brand new legal identity, using masks or holding up a different face photograph.

Some algorithms worked well, but Ngan concluded that no algorithms could detect all types of presentation attack, while combining different algorithms did have an impact on boosted performance.

Read more:

Face Analysis Technology Evaluation (FATE) – Part 10: Performance of Passive, Software-Based Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) Algorithms

Click to access NIST.IR.8491.pdf

Face Analysis Technology Evaluation (FATE) Part 11: Face Image Quality Vector Assessment – Specific Image Defect Detection

Click to access NIST.IR.8485.pdf

NIST will be speaking at Identity Week America 2023, kicking off 3 to 4 October, 2023. 

Speakers are:

  • Ryan Galluzzo, Digital Identity Program Lead, NIST
  • Patrick Grother, Biometrics Evaluator, NIST
  • Andrew Regenscheid, PIV Technical Lead, NIST
  • David Temoshok, Senior Advisor, NIST
  • Mei Ngan, Computer Scientist, NIST

 

Musk introduces new features for Twitter ‘X’ premium subscribers

Musk introduces new features for Twitter ‘X’ premium subscribers

Separating subscribers from regular users, Elon Musk’s premium features for Twitter, also known as X, include hiding visibility of ‘likes’ on posts and verifying real IDs.

Twitter’s ‘blue tick’ is the typical icon for subscriber accounts on the platform, which has been undergoing a highly-publicised redesign during Musk’s time as CEO.

The CEO will differentiate services further for paid and non-paid users with these new features. Users can obtain ‘blue tick’ status on a $8-per-month subscription, exclusively for X Premium subscribers.

The number of ‘likes’ accumulated on all posts will usually show on the user’s feed, unless the option to “hide likes” has been activated in the Premium tab. Once this option is activated, posts that users have liked will not duplicate on other people’s feeds, which is usually an oversight of users because of Twitter’s algorithm.

The secondary new Twitter feature complies with enabling real ID verification, that adheres to ID standards, for X Premium subscribers.

Real ID standards, that will be enforced for traditional ID types across the U.S., widely refers to government or state-issued IDs having to comply with official standards for secure ID documents.

To verify a ‘blue tick’, users will need to upload a copy of an official form of real government ID, as well as a selfie to identify themselves.

Users can see if a profile is government ID verified by clicking on the blue tick, a measure Twitter says will increase users’ trust. However real ID verification is not available in the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the United Kingdom.

After the reaction to removing blue ticks caused X to reinstate them, the social platform last month also updated its policies to allow the collection of users’ biometric data and education history.

AU10TIX, a leading identity verification provider, verifies the government IDs and claims to delete images within 72 hours after the results have been processed.

 

Entertainment and media platforms, like Netflix, LinkedIn and OnlyFans, will be joining the ranks of an incredible line-up at Identity Week America 2023 (3-4 October). Don’t miss out on hearing about real ID requirements to verify staff and users/subscribers on these platforms.

Speakers include:

  • Sarah Handler, Senior Product Manager, Netflix
  • Julie Madhusoodanan, Director of Engineering and Product of the Corporate Identity team, LinkedIn
  • Matt Reeder, COO, OnlyFans
2025 REAL ID rules are closer than you think – as DHS, TSA and federal agencies say they will NOT accept non-compliant IDs after deadline

2025 REAL ID rules are closer than you think – as DHS, TSA and federal agencies say they will NOT accept non-compliant IDs after deadline

From May 7, 2025, state-issued ID and licence rules will be set to change for travel within the U.S. Travellers will be urged to check if their ID is valid and compliant with REAL ID regulations at their local state department of motor vehicles.

The countdown to REAL ID enforcement, as of today, stands at 592 days. Overseen by the Department of Homeland Security, REAlL ID readiness is about establishing minimal security standards for licence issuance and production and stopping federal agencies from accepting licences and identification cards that do not meet the Act’s standards.

Since 2013, the DHS has been working on a phased enforcement plan for REAL ID to align with the circulation of secure-only driver’s licences and identification documents, which it calls a “vital component of our national security framework”.

In accordance with the enforcement schedule, a key deadline is now being determined for 2025 where travellers who hold a state-issued ID or licence must adopt REAL ID measures.

On the DHS website, it says the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, actioned recommendations following the events of 9/11 to set standards for the issuance of recognised ID, such as driving licences.

For domestic flights within the United States, driving licences are accepted over having to present a passport, but these familiar rules to Americans will change once REAL ID requirements are enforced in 2025. This news may leave some U.S. citizens flailing. What is the process for obtaining REAL ID?

The REAL ID is still an accepted standard for domestic travel and adopted by federal agencies, which is identified by the gold star emblem in the top right-hand corner of any driving licence or identification card.

Younger generations are less likely to be aware of what REAL ID is, but surveys suggested 78% have heard of the requirements for traditional IDs.

The deadline is pushing residents to visit their local DMV, with same-day REAL ID appointments made available by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Patch.com reported that 34,500 appointments will be open to local residents in New Jersey, as well as 24 MVC service centers offering the same across other states.

Pre- verification has also been introduced to speed up face-to-face appointments by verifying the resident’s identity and personal information before they visit a REAL ID centre. 13 REAL centres are open in Pennsylvania.

After the deadline has passed, the DHS, TSA and federal agencies will not accept forms of traditional identification that do not comply with REAL ID. Traditional ID includes, a passport, birth certificate or social security card, for example, that can be accepted by REAL ID standards because they have advanced integrated security technologies and features.

The changes will only apply to adults flying domestically, and the necessity to travel with a passport on international flights remains unchanged.

Image source: Lindsey Nicholson | UCG | Universal Images Group | Getty Images

The conference agenda at Identity Week America 2023 includes The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, The Transportation Security Administration, and federal agencies such as, Georgia Department of Driver Services, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and AAMVA

Speakers from these federal agencies that issue a state driving licence: 

  • Angelique McClendonGeneral Counsel, AAMVA/ Georgia Department of Driver Services
  • Owen McShaneDeputy CommissionerNYS DMV
  • Spencer R. MooreCommissionerGeorgia Department Of Driver Services
  • Christine NizerAdministratorMaryland Motor Vehicle Administration
  • George PetersenSenior Program Manager, REAL ID ProgramTSA, DHS
  • Mindy StephensManager, Identity ManagementAAMVA

Sumsub enables non-document UK customer onboarding in five seconds with via major banks

Sumsub enables non-document UK customer onboarding in five seconds with via major banks

Non-Document Verification capability, enabled by OneID® , onboards end-users nearly instantly, via data from leading UK financial institutions. 

Sumsub, the leading global full-cycle verification platform, is announcing the introduction of its Non-Document Verification solution in the UK. Customers across the fintech, crypto, ecommerce, online gaming and transportation industries, among others, can now onboard their users via official bank records securely with near-instant identity verification, while staying compliant with UK regulations. Non-Document Verification is also currently available in Nigeria, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Ghana, Bangladesh, India and the Netherlands.

The solution is made possible through its strategic partnership with OneID, a UK Government-certified identity provider. Users are supported by OneID during their journey, ensuring compliance with personal data regulations. Sumsub is the first global firm to offer document-free verification services as part of a holistic compliance solution across the whole user journey. The offering signifies a pioneering approach to full-cycle user verification globally, while local providers do offer document-free verification in singular markets.

Through OneID, Sumsub can offer document-free verification for 95% of the adult population. The solution will facilitate customer identity verification via data from major institutions, including Barclays, Bank of Scotland, Chase, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, MBNA, Monzo, Nationwide, NatWest, RBS, Santander, Starling, TSB, Ulster, and Virgin Money.

The Non-Document Verification solution offers a number of benefits for clients, redefining the user verification landscape. OneID enables Sumsub to provide lightning-fast verification in less than five seconds – far quicker than the industry’s average onboarding time of two minutes. The process will verify users without the need for them to upload pictures of identity documents.

During the onboarding process, users firstly select their bank and are directed to its page or app within the same session window. Once logged into their bank account, here they provide consent for personal data sharing, which is required for the verification. Finally, Sumsub instantly retrieves and verifies the required data, successfully onboarding the new customer without any documents.

Document-free verification leads to low drop-off and high conversion rates due to the seamless user experience. Furthermore, Sumsub simplifies the process with a user-friendly, code-free approach, allowing customer compliance teams to effortlessly adapt to diverse regulatory and country-specific needs via its Workflow Builder and Web software development kit (SDK) integration, removing the need for in-house developers. Sumsub enables its customers’ teams to build its solution into their own user flow, while incorporating their own corporate branding into the SDK and interface for end-users.

Andrew Sever, Co-founder and CEO of Sumsub explains: “We are pleased to be providing swift onboarding solutions for UK clients. The UK is one of the first European markets in our portfolio for Non-Document Verification, and we’re confident this will take the ID verification user experience to the next level. We are replacing complex authentication procedures for UK-based clients with a unique online banking log-in eliminating identity fraud, duplicate accounts and bot-based verification attempts”.

“We are dedicated to providing a secure, efficient, and seamless onboarding experience for users while empowering businesses to meet regulatory requirements effortlessly.”

“We are delighted that Sumsub has chosen us to be their partner to provide their document-free identity solution,” says Paula Sussex, CEO of OneID. “We are proud that we enable Sumsub to promise their customers a quick and easy experience that covers around 50 million individuals in the UK”.

Tony Petrov, Chief Legal Officer at Sumsub adds: “According to UK AML regulations, document-free solutions can be utilised, provided that they incorporate additional security measures. These are essential for establishing a connection between a user and their claimed identity, which has been independently verified by an external data source”.

“We ensure that the non-document verification process is secure from fraud and misuse and we can assure that users claiming a particular identity are in fact the person with that identity due to our advanced electronic identification technology.”

 

TECH5’s contactless fingerprint capture and PAD technology receives iBeta ISO 30107-3 conformance

TECH5’s contactless fingerprint capture and PAD technology receives iBeta ISO 30107-3 conformance

T5-AirSnap Finger – a patented innovative technology for contactless fingerprint capture developed by TECH5 – successfully passes iBeta ISO 30107-3 PAD Level 1 evaluation.

In PAD (Presentation Attack Detection) testing, TECH5’s fingerprint capture algorithm showcased outstanding performance with 0% APCER (Attack Presentation Classification Error Rate), ensuring no spoofs were misidentified as live fingerprints, and 0% BPCER (Bona Fide Presentation Classification Error Rate), guaranteeing no live fingers were incorrectly classified as spoofs.

Rahul Parthe, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CTO of TECH5, says: “We at TECH5 never stop innovating, and a perfect score demonstrated by T5-AirSnap Finger contactless biometric capture and liveness algorithms is one more proof of our technology’s excellence.”

iBeta is accredited by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) NVLAP as an Independent Test Lab and conducts the ISO Presentation Attack Detection testing in accordance with the ISO/IEC 30107-3 standard and in alignment with the ISO/IEC 30107-1 framework. TECH5’s T5-AirSnap Finger application was tested by iBeta to the ISO 30107-3 Biometric Presentation Attack Detection Standard and was found to be in compliance with PAD Level 1.

T5-AirSnap Finger allows for accurate capture of fingerprints within seconds using the camera of a smartphone, unlocking biometric capture and verification capabilities for any use case – from digital onboarding to any transaction that requires a high level of assurance using biometric verification. Inbuilt liveness detection technology, recently ranked first in the Liveness Detection (LivDet) 2023 Non-contact Fingerprint international competition, ensures that the presented fingers belong to a live person and prevents spoofing attacks.

“This unique combination of technologies makes T5-AirSnap Finger the most reliable contactless fingerprint capture offerings in the market, and we are delighted to make this ISO-compliant technology available to all our partners globally!” – Says Ameya Bhagwat, SVP of Global Business Development and Sales at TECH5.

The T5-AirSnap Finger technology reduces the need for purpose-built devices, as only the camera of a mobile phone is required for biometric acquisition and, due to ease of use, does not require any specific training.

Mr. Parthe commented: “We are continuously testing T5-AirSnap with different models of mobile phones and can confidently say that our technology is very robust and inclusive and works great not only with high-end expensive smartphones but also with a wide range of very affordable widely available phones that cost less than a hundred dollars”. 

TECH5 will exhibit at Identity Week America 2023. 

Latest speakers from the finance sector at #IdentityWeekAsia 2023!

Latest speakers from the finance sector at #IdentityWeekAsia 2023!

We’re delighted to announce the latest professionals from the financial industry joining the stage at Identity Week Asia 2023.

  • Vikrant Rana, SVP and Sales Lead, Global Payments, HSBC
  • Andrew Black, Managing Director, Australian Payments Plus
  • Linden Dawson, Customer Digital Identity Product Lead, National Australia Bank
  • Dipu KV, President of Head Operations and Customer Service, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Ltd 
  • Sourabh Chitrachar, Regional Vice President/ Director- Asia Technology Strategy & Operations, Liberty Mutual Insurance
  • Igor Janicijevic, Principal Engineer, Digital Access Foundation, National Australia Bank

Hear from industry luminaries about protecting customer identity, to preventing fraud, safeguarding workforce identity and access management security architecture.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and perspectives that will drive success in the fast-paced world of identity and finance in APAC.

“Talent will increasingly want the option to have a digital twin” — HAND scales talent identity in a human and digital world

“Talent will increasingly want the option to have a digital twin” — HAND scales talent identity in a human and digital world

The concept of HAND, founded by CEO Will Greth, understands the takeover of AI well. While causing controversy for actors, other areas of the entertainment industry have embraced AI for the revenue opportunities and to offer a show-stopping “experience” like the ABBA Voyage.

Public figures will increasingly demand digital twins linked to their legal identity, says Will Greth. In the future, the human and digital world will be intertwined, with real talent monetising themselves by licensing their digital twin.

The first keynote presentation on Day 1 at Identity Week America will introduce the arrival of the interoperable HAND (Human & Digital) Talent ID – the first global ID registry for notable legal, virtual, and fictional talent in performing arts & sports. In this interview, Will explains the talent identity provenance automation concept to our editor, Evie Kim Sing, which created a groundbreaking talent ID framework enabling reliable verification of real individuals, virtual counterparts, and fictional entities.

AI tools are used to create the Digital Twin likeness of the person used in commerce. Rights holders can register a “first use” with HAND as a related virtual talent instance or version of their real, legal person self.

In this interview we asked:

  • What aspects of innovation does HAND Identity offer?
  • Is data protection as important for virtual identities as it is for authenticating real people?
  • When founding the company or since, have you considered any precautions with this concept/technology to prevent it being misused across other sectors to verify false identities and fraudsters?
  • What industry challenges and themes will you address in your presentation at Identity Week?

Will Greth

“All qualified HAND Talent ID records must have multiple attestations of authenticity –  based on linked-data citations, often manifest / demonstrated in the form of resolvable links to authoritative sources.”

Will Greth | Keynote Presentation | Identity Week America 2023 

The presentation will discuss the need for the performing arts & sports industries to have interoperable identity standards, and for neutral, trusted 3rd parties to help provide 1st class Talent identifiers that have rigorous metadata attribution.

HAND is a member of 3 Metaverse Standards Forum groups (Oversight, the Standard Register, and the Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Identity working groups, and members of C2PA.org)

Changi Airport next to undergo refurbishment transformation

Changi Airport next to undergo refurbishment transformation

With passengers getting familiar with biometrics as the norm for secure travel, the requirement to carry a passport around at the world’s busiest airports is getting less and less. Although it is still good to have a back-up document.

Essential travel requirements have changed during the era of automated immigration clearance systems based on facial recognition.

Singaporean ministers have announced that 2024 will be the turn of Changi Airport to undergo a thorough refurbishment and installation of readily-available automated e-gates that can manage spikes in passenger travel.

And Singapore’s immigration laws are expected to align more with the pace of deployments from Monday, which will satisfy some ministers raising concerns over cybersecurity.

Biometrics along the end-to-end passenger journey will include all automated procedures from bag check-in to reading flight information in real-time.

 

 

First passengers using DTC at Helsinki airport as Finland leads world-first pilot

First passengers using DTC at Helsinki airport as Finland leads world-first pilot

Standing between e-gate lanes at Helsinki airport, Mika Hansson, a Senior Advisor at the National Police Board, who played a key role in the DTC rollout, quips his journey to Montreal for ICAO TRIP has been made easier by using the DTC.

He shared the photo of himself to LinkedIn, adding he gave a presentation about the DTC pilot in Finland. The DTC has encapsulated major strides in digitalising the travel industry.

Finland is a decisive player in the digital travel credential experimentation, currently the first country pilot testing the digital pass (digipass) at Helsinki-Vantaa airport until February. The first journey to digitally verify a passenger using the DTC took place on September, 1 2023 from Helsinki to London.

The DTC pilot project will enable passengers on Finnair flights travelling to London, Edinburgh and Manchester to pass seamlessly through border control without queuing by sliding a traditional passport in to the chip reader which extracts the DTC information to allow entry.

Mika Hansson said: “While I knew it was an interesting topic, it wasn’t until the symposium that I realised just how hot of a topic it is!”.

The passport will remain in use while another example of digitalisation is accelerated for travel. Certain EU borders will be receptive to the digipass led by Finland and in partnership with Croatia, where more DTC pilots are planned for the end of September.

To submit a valid DTC application, passengers must verify their identity in-person at either Helsinki-Vantaa or Tikkurila police station, joining up law enforcement and border controls to monitor migration.

The FIN DTC Pilot digital travel document app can be downloaded on iPhone or Android devices as pragmatic testing takes place in a real border control environment. The DTC experimentation is expected to be the first of its kind in the world.

Finnish Border Guarda will still be physically deployed to check personal data from applications 36−4 hours in advance of departure. The UK border remains controlled by local authorities and passport procedures, so the passport must be carried on any return journeys to Helsinki Airport and currently only Helsinki Airport has stepped across to deploying the DTC.

Face recognition kiosks at Helsinki Airport when you leave and return from the country compare your facial photo with the DTC required photograph. The DTC is only available to adult Finnish passengers.

 

DHS announces AI-defining policy directive for CBP

DHS announces AI-defining policy directive for CBP

The Biden Administration has demonstrated over the last few years complete jurisdiction over AI regulation.

New AI policies will be another defining feature of Biden’s premiership, developed by the DHS Artificial Intelligence Task Force, to continue their commitment to managing boundless AI innovation with the associated risks. The government has initiated a directive towards the CBP around the use of facial recognition technology.

With the CBP and government’s interaction completely by design over technologies like AI and biometrics, the latest AI warning has led to the internal hiring of CBP’s First Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Confirmed to be Chief Information Officer (CIO) Eric Hysen, his role will promote AI innovation and safety within the Department, along with advising the Department leadership on AI issues.

The use of AI technologies is embedded within CBP operations including for passenger security screening to advance its missions – combatting fentanyl trafficking, strengthening supply chain security, countering child sexual exploitation, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security described artificial intelligence as a powerful tool that must be harnessed “effectively and responsibly” and balanced by proper regulation that holds the CBP accountable and allows Americans to decline undergoing face scans at airports and in other situations.

He added that the department is obliged to “keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology” and do so in a way that is “transparent and respectful of the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of everyone we serve”.

“I am grateful that Eric Hysen, who already co-chairs our Artificial Intelligence Task Force, has agreed to serve as our Department’s first Chief AI Officer, providing the leadership and experience necessary to harness AI’s enormous potential and ensure its responsible use across DHS.”.

No airport or travel process, however machine-led with artificial intelligence, should completely eliminate manual audits.

The policy statement 139-06 establishes the foundation for DHS’s use of AI with a clear set of principles not to collect, use or disseminate data used in AI activities.

The rules will mandate human reviews and thorough testing of automated biometric systems and afford the right to opt-out of face recognition for non-law enforcement uses.

#IdentityWeekAmerica 🚨speaker alerts – decentralised identity, secure credentials and more!

#IdentityWeekAmerica 🚨speaker alerts – decentralised identity, secure credentials and more!

The whirlwind of Identity Week America 2023 will be kicking off in two weeks with all government and industry players in attendance across two packed days discussing the intersection between policies and technology innovations in identity management.

The event is a non-negotiable date in the calendar for anyone that works for a solution provider or organisation with strict objectives to increase the amount of identity technologies deployed across useful applications – such as in travel, financial services, public sector, and healthcare.

Over 3,000+ attendees have secured their ticket to fulfil two main priorities – to indulge in quality networking experiences and hear updates from the broader identity industry.

Our stellar speaker line-up alone shows the potential for future-defining partnerships to be established on the conference floor between top performing, accredited solution providers and global organisations upholding standards for identity and access management, security and compliance.

We will be matching executives from finance institutions and travel organisations, healthcare bodies and government to improve transparency, collaboration and convergence between individual identity endeavours.

Have you booked your ticket to watch these new sessions?

 

Foundations of Digital Identity

Vyjayanti Desai, Program Manager, Identification And Development, The World Bank

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides funding and loans to governments for the purpose of pursuing capital projects, creating thriving economies, and enabling digital transformation.

This session will cover:

  • Foundations of digital identity
  • A key enabler of value creation for individuals and institutions
  • Digital inclusion, just and equitable access for all
  • What constitutes a good ID?

 

Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio, CIO, UN Joint Staff Pension Fund

Decentralised identity, encompassing user data ownership, privacy, consent to data, will be covered in a panel discussion featuring Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio as well as the Government Blockchain Association, NEC Security Systems, and the National Security Council – The White House. 

  • Discussing the role of blockchain technology in decentralised identity solutions.
  • Technologies and Standards for Decentralised Identity use.

Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio is a CIO with significant experience in governing, managing, auditing, securing, and advising on information and communications technology (ICT) systems and operations supporting national and international civil, judicial, financial, and peacekeeping functions.

 

Digital Identity in Financial Services 

Brian Russell, SVP – Head of Enterprise Platform for Identity Management and Authentication,
U. S. Bank

The integration of digital identity within the financial services has accelerated Banking-as-a-service and customers having remote control over their finances. This session will assess the landscape of architecture that authenticates and securely onboards customers and the capabilities of fraudsters to disrupt strong customer-bank relationships.

  • Banking as a service;
  • Trust and governance
  • Opportunities for collaboration between fintech and identity service providers;
  • Impact of AI on the future of digital identity in financial services.

 

TECH5 will demonstrate its technologies at Identity Week America

TECH5 will demonstrate its technologies at Identity Week America

TECH5, an innovator in biometrics and digital identity management, will demonstrate its latest technology offerings during the Identity Week America exhibition, held in Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Downtown Washington, D.C., USA, on October 3rd and 4th, 2023.

TECH5’s technology offerings include end-user applications for biometric capture, credential issuance and identification, a multimodal ABIS, and SDKs for both contactless face and fingerprint capture. At stand No. 218, TECH5 will showcase its innovations for contactless biometric capture and liveness detection using mobile devices, Digital ID issuance and verification, and its latest technology platform for law enforcement.

TECH5 USA, Inc. is headquartered in Troy, Michigan with locations in San Diego, California; the D.C. Beltway; Austin, Texas; and Canada. TECH5’s North American team includes industry veterans who have been involved in implementing and supporting a wide variety of use cases, including some of the first biometric solutions for law enforcement in the U.S., from Los Angeles County to the state of Arizona, as well as a number of other industry firsts with the U.S. federal government and governmental agencies in Canada and Mexico. The team’s collective innovation, depth of expertise, and breadth of experience have resulted in numerous awards and over 27 patents related to biometric technology.

TECH5’s target markets include Government and Private sectors with products powering Civil ID, Digital ID, Public Safety, and Law Enforcement and Authentication solutions that deliver identity assurance for various use cases. “In the U.S., we are focusing mostly on public safety, equipping law enforcement agencies across the country with some of the fastest technologies and platforms for multi-biometric matching, as well as software tools for quick and effective investigation.” – Rahul Parthe, Co-founder, Chairman and CTO at TECH5.

All technologies presented during the conference are available for TECH5’s certified partners and customers globally.