The first draft of guidance on biometric data and biometric technologies has been published by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
The next guidance review will make a public call for evidence earlier next year from 18 August to 20 October 2023.
Aimed at biometric solutions providers, the guidance will strictly enforce that vendors abide by data protection laws for new biometric technologies, covering what biometric data is, its use in biometric registration systems, and data protection requirements.
Identity Week America is gaining momentum, and we are excited to introduce our esteemed Gold Sponsors who are playing a pivotal role in making this event an exceptional experience for all attendees.
They will be joining over 300 other exhibitors on the show floor across the 3-4 October 2023!
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TECH5, an innovator in the field of biometrics and digital identity management, receives a patent (United States Patent 11721120) for “Contactless fingerprint capture using artificial intelligence and image processing on integrated camera systems”. With this patent, the company is aiming to protect one of its latest innovations – a neural network (NN) based mobile fingerprint liveness and capture technology called T5-AirSnap Finger.
The patent covers a fingerprinting solution that uses neural network (NN) based Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in combination with traditional image processing for contactless fingerprint capture, presentation attack detection, and fingerprint matching using a portable handheld device with integrated camera systems, thereby eliminating the need for a specialist device dedicated for fingerprinting. NN models are trained to first detect the size and direction of fingers in the captured image, check if the captured fingers are reversed (thereby making nails visible), check if the thumb of the correct hand is captured, check if the presented finger is live or a spoof, and generate fixed-length fingerprint templates for subsequent matching of fingerprints. A three-dimensional (3D) depth map of the finger is used to bring the fingerprint resolution to 500 dpi and eliminate distortion caused by the curvature of the finger shape to improve accuracy while scaling and flattening a fingerprint image. The solution facilitates contactless-to-contactless as well as contactless-to-contact-based fingerprint matching.
T5-AirSnap Finger efficiently captures and prepares biometric data for further processing in compliance with interoperability standards. The algorithms can be used for both enrolment and authentication on a mobile device and backend.
TECH5 has been participating with its contactless fingerprint capture technology in the UK Home Office Biometric self-enrolment trials consistently since 2021. Furthermore, TECH5’s fingerprint capture and matching technologies are part of ongoing evaluations by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and the FBI as part of the standardisation and certification of such technologies.
In June 2023, TECH5 won the first and second positions in the Liveness Detection (LivDet)1 2023 Non-contact Fingerprint international competition, with its latest NN (neural network) based fingerprint liveness detection technology for mobile devices. This technology is available to TECH5’s certified partners globally as part of T5-AirSnap Finger contactless capture offering for mobile devices.
“TECH5 is passionate about driving innovation and revolutionising the way we solve real-world problems. Our expert R&D team is committed to advancing contactless fingerprint capture and liveness detection, integral to critical applications such as national enrolments, law enforcement, eKYC, and decentralised digital ID. We take pride in leading the way in this exciting new field of research.” – says Rahul Parthe, TECH5’s Co-founder, Chairman, and CTO, listed in the patent among inventors.
T5-AirSnap Finger technology is deployed in various projects across Government and Private sectors as part of the T5-Digital ID solution as well as a separate product.
Professor Fraser Sampson has indicated his intention to stand down from the Home Office as Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner for England and Wales, which would be affected from 31 October, 2023.
His resignation comes as the government is currently passing the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill through the House of Commons to axe the role of biometrics commissioner and hand over the respective functions to Investigatory Powers Commissioner.
In the role, which he held since March 2021, Sampson was responsible for overseeing the collection and use of police biometric data while ensuring police compliance under the surveillance camera code of practice. Upon being appointed, he expressed his intentions to maintain momentum of delivering the National Surveillance Camera Strategy.
With China being one of the biggest offenders of public surveillance using CCTV and biometrics, during his time as biometrics commissioner, one of Sampson’s achievements was to challenge central and local government ministers to clarify their positions on buying surveillance cameras from controversial tech company Hikvision, which is part-owned by the Chinese state.
If IdentityWeek America is not on your radar, it should be. Save the date for October 3-4, 2023.
After 17 years, Identity Week is established as the leading identity and trust event which has grown substantially to become the main meeting place for experts in the identity space.
We run a global identity event series for the APAC region, Europe and U.S, split into three domains: digital identity, physical security documents and biometrics.
IdentityWeekAmericais returning toWashington D.Con3-4 October with over 3,000+ attendees from the public sector, finance, travel, healthcare and retail industries.
The event covers many converging debates and discussions which are a focus for government in policymaking and bringing in legislation that supports cybersecurity, data protection & AI, new technologies like blockchain and the metaverse, and so much more.
IdentityWeek is one of the only events in the calendar that massive multi-sector organisations in this space will attend year-on-year to give updates and announcements on their current projects.
Identity Week Asia is THE meeting place of Asia’s identity giants.
With 2,500+ industry experts in attendance, the entire identity ecosystem will be in Singapore this November, seeking the latest tech and partnerships to solve the biggest issues facing identity today.
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🎟️ 2,500+ attendees ⭐️ Iconic keynote speeches 📣 Presentations from world-leading brands ⚡️ Exhibition showcase with 150+ brands ✅ Peer to peer networking 🚀 Start-up city 🚀 Start-up pitches 🍾 Networking events 📱 Identity Week Asia app
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The ID Week expo
150 strong, the Identity Week Asia exhibition is our global flagship showcase of cutting-edge tech solutions to authenticating human identity. Whether via a secure credential, biometric, or online/digital identity solution.
Annual MIDWEEK drinks party
At the end of day 1 join us at our networking party; a networking party to end all other networking parties! Enjoy drinks and make great connections…
Start-up City
Following the huge success of our start-up village in 2022, we’re upgrading to a start-up city complete with 50 innovative start-ups working in the identity space. Meet the teams behind the future of identity.
Seminar theatre
Get answers to some of the biggest questions facing the identity industry right now. We’ll have our seminar stage jam-packed full of exciting content…
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Bored of emails? So are we! Shed your email exhaustion and join the identity industry live and in-person this November. Build those all-important business relationships face-to-face.
A Netherlands-based chipmaker, NXP Semiconductors, is in discussion with the Union government to tender a project on The Unique Identification Authority of India, which is incorporating more biometrics and AI in chip authentication.
The proposal is in its early stages but NXP Semiconductors is in mind to accept the project as the UIAI strives to surpass hurdles like payment fraud and data attacks.
Hitesh Garg, India Head at NXP Semiconductors spoke in May on the company’s drive to advance India’s Research and Development (R&D) capabilities and cultivate India as a semiconductor export hub to rival China as a leader in electronic manufacturing.
Expanding supply chains and reducing super players in the global semiconductor industry would be crucial to welcoming India to the “China plus One” strategy and opening up global competition.
There were hints at India’s tactics to concentrate on building more partnerships within the “overall semiconductor ecosystem” to rapidly develop India’s credentials as a chip exporter, rather than relying on imports from other countries for chip design and fabrication. Perhaps the stationing of a semiconductor manufacturing base in India will encourage more global companies to migrate and set up their manufacturing operations out of India.
India’s semiconductor industry in 2022 was worth approximately USD 27 billion with over 90% of production being imports from countries like China, however, by 2027, India’s market aims to be less co-dependant on external suppliers and consumers and increase its value to USD 55 billion.
A company boasting a revenue of USD13.21 billion, the likely partnership between NXP Semiconductors and The Identification Authority of India will boost economic prosperity towards USD 5 trillion by 2026/7.
Every day, Department of Homeland Security officers across the U.S. rely on technology tools to inspect or screen more than 2 million air travellers, including biometrics. SAIC’s Identity and Data Sciences Lab (IDSL) puts these technologies through their paces at our Maryland Test Facility (MdTF), ensuring they will perform as advertised.
Sponsored by DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), our lab provides independent testing and evaluation of commercial biometric products for DHS and its components such as Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration.
As a trusted partner between biometric technology vendors and federal government users, the IDSL team at the MdTF:
Recruits and hosts a diverse population who give their consent to try out new technologies.
Evaluates biometric sensors and algorithms to see how effectively, efficiently, and equitably they collect and handle data.
Examines human factors–whether volunteers are receptive and responsive to the technologies.
Determines how well the technologies stand up to real-world operating conditions. Our IDSL team also plans and conducts pilot projects and field tests.
Develops the concepts of operations, or CONOPS, for biometric operations.
Briefs customers on product test results and expedites knowledge sharing across government and industry.
Jerry Tipton, SAIC program manager and IDSL’s director said: “We are a proving ground, helping DHS understand which biometric technologies will work in public-facing environments”.
“DHS S&T shares our reports with DHS components and other federal agencies like the FBI, and once the information is made public, vendors use it to improve their products.”
Making security efficient and reliable
DHS is deploying biometric technologies, like face recognition, to modernise security and improve the passenger experience not just at airports but also at land crossings and seaports. Security officers will benefit from more automated and robust verification processes to meet evolving threats and rising travel volumes.
The IDSL team at the MdTF is at the forefront supporting these initiatives. It has worked with face, fingerprint, and iris recognition systems now in use, and serves as a trusted third-party expert in biometric sensors and algorithms, data analytics, and human factors in the testing and evaluation (T&E) services market.
Tipton credits the IDSL’s success to the robust T&E processes and infrastructure that the team of data scientists, neuroscientists, human factors experts, software engineers, and systems engineers—many with intelligence community, Department of Defence, and DHS backgrounds—has built up.
Together, they answer queries about a device or system that could include:
How fast and accurately does it gather biometric information?
How well does it perform at different times of the day, under various conditions?
Does the technology integrate into a security officer’s existing screening or inspection process? Will it perform in an updated process either staffed or unstaffed?
How will it be accepted by the public? Is it intuitive or intimidating?
All of these are real-world factors on the throughput of hundreds of millions of travellers screened or inspected by DHS. As the majority of travellers does not pose security risks, DHS is sensitive to expediting screenings while ensuring security.
We have been a longtime, responsible biometrics advisor to DHS. To date, our 24,000-square-foot facility has welcomed over 3,100 volunteers from 75 countries of origin across five continents to provide their input on identification technologies.
The MdTF hosts a variety of small to big T&E projects each year. Large-scale evaluations can last several months and involve a group of products from multiple vendors.
The goal of each test, however, is the same: enhance DHS security operations and make the process as, equitable, efficient, and hassle-free as possible for citizens.
The Identity Verification and Binding Working Group is a less well known area of work that the FIDO Alliance undertakes alongside advocating for passwordless authentication.
The Alliance has broadened its scope of encouraging other forms of stronger identity verification and since 2022 has looked to develop a range of certification programs addressing criteria for document authentication, namely the remote Document Authenticity (DocAuth) Certification Program.
There is a counter tool in using document liveness to beat spoofing which companies like ID R&D have recently promoted. This certification process by the FIDO Alliance allows vendors to certify their mobile document authentication solutions to be certain that the authenticity of genuine documents can be easily recognised or differentiated from clear signs of fraud.
The introduction of a certification process was expected in early 2023 to continue FIDO’s value proposition to bolster strong authentication.
ID R&D, an innovator in voice biometric and facial liveness detection software, published a blog written by their Chief Scientific Officer, Konstantin Simonchik, which explains how and why document liveness is on their agenda to meet FIDO requirements.
Eventually, FIDO has indicated that anti-spoofing criteria will be incorporated into the comprehensive framework of the Fast IDentity Online (FIDO). Troubling dilemmas face authorities who are trying to curb illegal migration, such as duplicated and doctored ID documents and identity theft.
FIDO’s fundamental concept of replacing traditional password-based security for two factor authentication, which may include biometrics, also must apply to requiring two pieces of evidence to verify the document holder’s identity: by validating the features on documents and using facial mapping technology and biometric comparison to their physical characteristics. Facial mapping can mitigate the risks of presentation attacks occurring by matching their document photograph with their face liveness verification.
Government-issued identity documents are crucial in the onboarding process but are often subject to presentation attacks by fraud perpetrators, which a study by ID R&D concluded happened on a 90% basis.
These attacks are currently omitted from the FIDO requirement with the role of AI evolution.
They are:
Screen replays
Printed copies
Printed cutouts (both laminated and non-laminated)
Replications on plastic
In conclusion, Konstantin writes: “the concept of “liveness” offers a new frontier for combating document forgery, extending the principles and techniques outlined in the FIDO standard. By understanding the intricacies of liveness-based attacks and harnessing the power of AI, we can enhance the integrity of our document verification processes, bolstering our defenses against an ever-evolving threat landscape”.
During the forecast period of 2023-2033, the global facial recognitionmarket is expected to reach an estimated value of ~USD 24 billion by 2033, by expanding at a CAGR of ~16%. The market further generated a revenue of ~USD 5 billion in the year 2022. Major key factors propelling the growth of facial recognition market worldwide are the notable growth in the electronics sector globally and the rising cases of security breaches.
Market Definition of Facial Recognition
Facial recognition is a contactless biometric, contactless solution is a way of identifying or confirming an individual’s identity using their face. Contactless solutions enable easy deployment in consumer devices and is effortless and convenient to use. Apart from individual identities, the technology can gather demographic data on crowds; thus, increasing its usability.
Global Facial Recognition Market: Growth Drivers
The growth of the global facial recognition market can majorly be attributed to the launch of several advanced facial recognition products by the key players operating in the market. For instance, PopID, Inc. and Visa has entered into a partnership to launch facial verification payment acceptance in the Middle East region. Further, the aim is to provide cardholders with new safe, secure, and innovative ways to pay. On the other hand, the market growth can also be attributed several collaborations occurring in the field of facial recognition is also projected to drive the market growth. For instance, SAFR has entered with a collaboration with Geutebruck Pacific to expand the company’s competency.
The global facial recognition market is also estimated to grow majorly on account of the following:
Rising Demand of Smart Phones
Growing Concerns of Cybersecurity
Surging Market Capitalization of Banking Sector
Increased Digitization
Global Facial Recognition Market: Restraining Factor
There is a low adoption rate of facial recognition in developing countries. Hence this factor is expected to be the major hindrance for the growth of the global facial recognition market during the forecast period.
Global Facial Recognition Market Segmentation
By End User (Healthcare, Education, Automotive, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Retail & E-commerce, and Others)
The healthcare segment, amongst all the other segments, is anticipated to garner the largest revenue by the end of 2033. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the expansion of healthcare sector across the world. Lately, it was estimated that revenue generation by healthcare segment stood up at approximately USD 60 billion in 2022.
By Application (Law Enforcement, Access Control, Emotion Recognition, Attendance Tracking, and Others)
By Component (Software & Tools, 2D Facial Recognition, 3D Facial Recognition, and Others)
By Region
The North America facial recognition market is anticipated to hold the largest market share by the end of 2033 among the market in all the other regions. expansion of electronics sector in the region. In 2019, the U.S. consumer electronics industry was predicted to garner almost USD 300 billion. Further, the rising digitization and industrialization are also expected to increase the adoption rate of facial recognition in the assessment period. The United States industrial production rose 4% YoY in July 2022, with an increment of 3.5% YoY from the previous month.
The market research report on global facial recognition also includes the market size, market revenue, Y-o-Y growth, and key player analysis applicable for the market in North America (U.S., and Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg, NORDIC (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark), Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe), and Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman), North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa).
Key Market Players Featured in the Global Facial Recognition Market
Some of the key players of the global facial recognition market are PopID, Inc., SAFR (RealNetworks), Inc., Aware, Inc., Ayonix Corporation, Cognitec Systems GmbH, FACEPHI BIOMETRICS Ltd., Fujitsu Limited, THALES, IDEMIA Group, NEC Corporation, Onfido, and others.
Veridas Facial Biometrics Access Control interfaces with LenelS2’s OnGuard access control security system
Veridas, a Spanish technology company specialising in digital identity biometrics,today announced that it has received LenelS2 factory certification and joined the LenelS2 OpenAccess Alliance Program (OAAP). Veridas Facial Biometrics Access Control interfaces with the OnGuard® access control system to provide an improved customer access and visitor management experience through touchless and seamless entry.
John Marchioli, OAAP product management, LenelS2 said: “Veridashas completed required factory testing at LenelS2 to validate the functionality of its interface to the OnGuard system. The interface of Veridas will provide end users with a facial biometric access solution that saves costs to customers.”
“We look forward to their continued involvement in the LenelS2 OpenAccess Alliance Program.”
“Veridas partners with leading actors in security and access control to shape the future of touchless and seamless access together. Veridas’ #2 NIST-ranked interface helps organizations globally to achieve the perfect balance between security and hospitality”, said Eduardo Azanza, CEO, Veridas. “With remote enrolment and facial access, no human intervention or physical credentials are needed. We are thrilled with this strong alliance and look forward to seeing the breakthrough opportunities it provides to organisations.”
About Veridas Facial Biometric Access Control
Veridas facial biometric visitor access control management platform makes it easy for visitors and employees to self-register remotely or at the reception desk by capturing their ID card and selfie.
The system verifies the visitor’s identity and generates a private and non-transferable biometric access credential.
Once the visitor reaches the installation, they approach the Veridas biometric terminal at the entrance and show their faces and/or biometric QRs. The terminal authenticates them in less than a second and allows them to enter, thanks to the connection with the LENEL access system.
Veridas is a leading global player in the identity industry, serving over 250 clients across 25 countries in sectors such as banking, insurance, telecommunications, and public administrations.
Trust is at the heart of facilitating access to public and private services we all use in everyday life, which must be governed by frameworks that guide a supportive ecosystem for technology and business development.
Hear from our panel of leading industry experts on how to ensure digital identification systems are safe, reliable and interoperable under fledging trust and governance frameworks. Government attendees from across states in the U.S. will be turning out in huge numbers to join financial services, attendees from the travel industry and healthcare to discuss how the highest levels of data security and privacy protection can be ensured.
The importance of standards and interoperability and building trust and accountability into digital identity frameworks will be a pillar of Identity Week America 2023.
REGISTER BEFORE MIDNIGHT (GMT) THIS FRIDAY TO SAVE $300!
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Be in Washington D.C. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from the 3-4 October to watch this exciting panel exploring important frameworks and regulation:
Kay Chopard, Executive Director, Kantara Initiative
Judith Fleenor, Director Strategic Engagements, Trust over IP Foundation
Nick Mothershaw, Chief Identity Strategist, OiX
Kenneth Myers, Director, Identity Assurance, and Trusted Access Division, GSA
Kristel Teyras, Chair Digital Identity Work Group, Secure Identity Alliance
The Colombian National Police has taken an important step towards improving public safety and the effectiveness of identifying people with legal requirements by selecting facial recognition software from the Spanish company Herta.
Aware of the growing need for advanced technologies to face security challenges, the Colombian National Police has chosen to partner with Herta for the city of Medellín, a leader in the development of facial identification solutions and a pioneer in its field.
Herta’s facial recognition software will allow the Colombian National Police to speed up the identification of people wanted by the justice system in various situations, which will translate into an effective tool to fight crime and improve security in the country.
This advanced technology will make it possible to quickly and accurately identify those individuals who present legal requirements, thus optimising resources and time in police operations.
In this regard, the Mayor’s Office announced the commissioning of 80 intelligent facial recognition cameras, located at strategic points in the city, public transport and places with the greatest influx. These cameras have integrated a database that contains the profiles and identification by facial comparison of 19,000 people, required with current arrest warrants and which is expected to considerably increase the operation and effectiveness of the authorities in the search for those responsible for crimes.
Herta’s software stands out for its precision and ability to handle large databases, which is essential for an institution like the Colombian National Police, which faces a wide range of challenges in the field of security and public order.
The implementation of Herta’s facial recognition software reinforces the commitment of the Colombian National Police in the adoption of innovative technologies that improve security in the country and contribute to the well-being of society.
OnlyFans’ Chief Executive Officer Keily Blair, whose speech at Identity Week Europe in June reinstated how digital identity provisions are mandatory for entertainment sites, has written a LinkedIn post on utilising hashlists to identify and separate bad uploaded images.
The identification tool combats the freedom that users have to upload any images or videos on a user generated content platform.
A growing number of entertainment sites, also known for commercial adult content, such as OnlyFans are facing the same pressures to take accountability as social media platforms under online safety laws and regulations. Regulation such as the Online Safety Bill instructs online sites and services to install verification technologies to being safety to the online environment.
The strict requirement of online services and sites is to protect access from users that cannot digitally verify their age and identity by working with verification technology providers.
Hashing identifies and separates bad images from tens of millions of unsolicited images and videos uploaded to the platform every day.
OnlyFans is challenging the perception that dangers can be easily encountered by children and remain unprotected on the platform by utilising hashing.
It creates a unique digital fingerprint of an image or video, alerting organisations to content that has “no rightful place on the internet like non consensual intimate images, child sexual abuse material and other harmful or extreme images”, Keily explains.
They go another step further proactively giving feedback to hashlist providers.
New or “first generation” dangerous images are quickly identified and processed into the appropriate hashlist, while mitigating false results that the system may present from time to time. What this shows is that OnlyFans recognises their accountability along with technology providers to make every unregulated online community better equipped to protect users while avoiding censorship of lawful content.
Whether it’s airport security checks or facial recognition on smartphones, biometric identification solutions are an integral part of our everyday lives, and the next generation is ready and waiting. DNA-based processes not only enable the accurate identification of citizens, but also raise data protection to a new level.
By Corinna Schindler, Head of Verification at Veridos
While the term ‘DNA Identification’ is usually associated with forensic investigations, the identification of disaster victims or for genetic relationship analysis, the next generation of solutions is providing a new range of capabilities for the public services sector.
Accurate personal identification allows citizens to gain access to government services, mobility and education. The reality in politically unstable countries, however, is that not everyone has a legal identity which can be proved by a birth certificate or passport. Nevertheless, their DNA is unique, so it can lead to a clear conclusion in uncertain situations. The latest technologies can lead to important progresses in this field.
Rapid DNA technologies on the rise
Although the DNA-based method of personal identification has been successfully used in forensics since the 1980s, highly automated technologies have only been available for a few years.
Today, certified “Rapid DNA Technology” solutions using mobile devices and fully automated processes make it possible to generate DNA profiles (known as DNA IDs) from human DNA samples practically anywhere and in the shortest possible time. The processes require no technical and scientific knowledge and without any loss of quality.
Once created, a DNA ID offers a number of advantages over conventional biometric ID, such as fingerprinting or iris recognition. For example, it guarantees lifelong immutability and rules out manipulation. This is because the stored information is locked and protected directly in the nucleus of human cells.
In terms of data protection, a DNA ID achieves an unrivalled level of anonymity. The information stored in a forensic or civil database is purely numeric. It does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about ethnic origin, personal health or appearance but is nonetheless unique. Just the one unique sequence of numbers is recorded for each person, containing less personal data than a passport photo, for example.
While fingerprints, irises or facial shapes change over the course of a person’s life, or can be manipulated by surgical intervention, an unchangeable DNA ID is now the safest and most reliable method of biometric identification.
A simple application in practice
As outlined above, rapid DNA ID generation has become simpler than ever with new automated technological processes. It can be carried out directly on-site using mobile solutions, at official locations or in more remote regions. A laboratory is no longer necessary. All that is needed are the necessary DNA samples and the right device. The current processing time is less than two hours, which is a record in the field. Once created, DNA IDs can be enrolled and securely stored in government-controlled databases, without giving access to externals.
Because of its minimal data size – 200 bits – each DNA ID is easily stored in any conventional chip of smart biometric identification documents, such as passports.
Rapid DNA samples offer a lot of civilian applications. Besides providing secure border crossing processes, the technology can protect elections, clarify relationships between people or prevent identity theft through their use in the registration of new-born children.
But although DNA-based identification allows secure and unique verification of individuals, it is not a “stand-alone” solution. It is an additional tool that, in combination with other biometric identification methods, provides completely reliable information on an ad-hoc basis.
Acceptance through education and transparency
However, the popular association of DNA collection with its use in criminal applications, means there are still reservations about the technology. But DNA identification works much more anonymously and accurately than other biometric methods, raising data protection to a new level. Other biometric technologies such as fingerprint matching or iris scanning, also met with scepticism for a long time, but eventually public opinion changed completely. Today, users unlock their smartphones with biometric data and trust the security that comes with it.
It is fair to assume that as the benefits become known there will be much greater acceptance of identification using DNA IDs among the population.
The future of ID technology
Alongside the established biometric processes such as fingerprint, iris scan or facial recognition, DNA ID heralds the next big step in the identification and verification of people. The quick and reliable results that rapid DNA technologies provide will increase their acceptance, and we can expect to see the technology find its way into further areas of life, where citizens and governments alike will benefit from the advantages of rapid and reliable DNA-based personal identification.
IdentityWeekAsia 2023 promises to be an unparalleled gathering of industry professionals, experts, and thought leaders, all converging to shape the future of identity technology and its applications.
Join 2,500 attendees and 150 exhibitors at Asia‘s largest and most trusted identity event this November!
Register today to save USD $350 on full conference passes for IdentityWeekAsia 2023!
With government bodies sitting at the heart of IdentityWeekAsia, we want to highlight some of the industry giants speaking at this year’s event.
Check out our distinguished 2023 government speakers so far…
🎤 Kendrick Lee, Director, Product Management, National Digital Identity, GovTech 🎤 Kapil Jambhulkar, Director, UIDAI 🎤 Mohamed Awadalla, Forgery detection consultant, Forensic lab; RAK police 🎤 Mohamed Elganiny, Document examination expert, GDRFA General Directorate of Residency And Foreigners Affairs Dubai 🎤 Ivan Clarke, Passport Technical Specialist, Australian Passport Office 🎤 Lenka Bradokova, Executive Director Digital Identity, NSW Department of Customer Service 🎤 Kavita Kewal, Assistant Secretary, Identity and Biometrics Policy and Strategy Branch, Department of Home Affairs 🎤 Natalie Jones, Director, Digital Identity, Government Digital Service, UK Cabinet Office 🎤 Joanne Knight, Identification Consultant, Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand Government 🎤 Philip Muehleck, Director of Programs Delivery – Digital Identity, NSW Department of Customer Service 🎤 Rohan Samaraweera, Senior Director Data Science, Department of Home Affairs
A £54.7 million tender to provision a Biometric Matcher Platform for law enforcement has been awarded to company, IBM. The funding will go towards developing advanced police and immigration databases to check offenders against any existing biometric records.
The Home Office, which has appointed IBM a technology partner to deliver this contract, is responsible for overseeing the issuance of passports and visas and dealing with as many fraudulent passport applications which often steal someone’s real information to renew a illegitimately issued passport.
It is also the government agency which manages immigration and secures border controls.
The biometric matching platform can be defined in a five stage process starting with transferring the services and Matching Platform and Mark to Print search capabilities from the current supplier to IBM.
The legacy automated fingerprint system called IDENT1 will be disused and biometric data collection will migrate from IABS to the Fingerprint and Face Algorithms on the unified MSP.
The contract term will last 5 years with the option to extend the delivery to phase out IDENT 1 and IABS programmes completely and introduce a single face-matching management system across immigration, law enforcement, international agencies and police.
Kathleen Kiernan was recently appointed onto the International Biometrics + Identity Association’s board of Directors at the 2023 Association Board Elections.
In this 2023 cycle, four candidates were on the IBIA slate — three incumbents and one new board candidate. All were elected unanimously by the Membership.
The three incumbents re-elected to staggered terms on the IBIA Board are: Donnie Scott, Chief Executive Officer of IDEMIA’s Identity and Security – North America business; Mohammed Murad, Vice President, Global Sales & Business Development for Iris ID, a leading US – based company focused on iris recognition and authentication; and Chip Merrill, Vice President for Public Sector Biometrics at HID Global, a global leader and supplier in identity and security technologies, was also re-elected.
IBIA’s newest elected Board member is Dr. Kathleen L. Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems (NSS), a US-based subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America, which provides biometric identity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and computer vision applications for federal government agencies in the defence, intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security sectors.
A 29-year veteran of federal law enforcement, Dr. Kiernan is a recognized expert in strategy development and implementation, as well as facilitating critical incident management exercises across government and the private sector. Previously, she served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
John Mears, Chairman of the IBIA Board and Vice President and Tech Fellow at Leidos Corporation, welcomed Dr. Kiernan as the newest addition to the Board, adding that her “expertise and experience will add another level of depth to the Association’s well of industry thought-leaders”.
Other IBIA Board members include Bob Eckel, President and CEO of Aware, Inc., a leading authentication company applying proven and trusted adapted authentication to solve everyday business challenges with biometrics; Deep Bhatia of global electronics and manufacturing innovator Qualcomm; Michael DePasquale, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BIO-key International, a leading developer of identity and access management products and services; and Neville Pattinson, Head of Business Development and Strategic Marketing of global identity technology for the Thales Group.
“We are pleased to have the world’s global leaders in the biometrics and identity management segment as members,” said Mears. “They are key to our mission of advocacy for efficient, secure and ethical applications of the technology.”
NEC TITLE SPONSOR KEYNOTE – Kathleen Kiernan at Identity Week America 2023
Identity Week America 2023 is proud to be partnered by the International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) which has a vast membership and share of U.S. biometric companies and industry players. Their new board member, Kathleen Kiernan, who long has attended and been an important part of the event with NEC, will deliver their title sponsor keynote speech to kick off the first day of proceedings for 2023.
IBIA lead a special keynote panel on Digital Identity Futures towards the end of Day 1.
Singapore’s Immigration Act is being revised to include new biometric provisions that will enable the automated clearance concept.
The comprehensive legislation is divided into 6 parts relating to the rules on admission and departure of travellers and includes a list of prohibited immigrants and procedures of entry.
Biometric systems have a place at all modern airport checkpoints, including bag check-in, immigration, and boarding. Making an automated decision confirming someone’s identity, biometrics have genuinely changed the way we travel, legitimating valid travellers to complete seamless journeys and excluding undesirables.
The proposed bill amendments will achieve greater digitalised and automated immigration processes to strengthen robust safety controls at borders, respond better to evolving challenges, and increase effective administration of passes and permits.
New end-to-end biometric-enabled processes mean that the Minister for Home Affairs is authorised to request passenger and crew information for the flight operator.
A unique token generated from identity and flight information held in the backend will be used to compare with live biometrics collected at airport touchpoints.
Global chip production is heavily concentrated across Asia. While most countries are now focused on accelerating their digital and data transformations, creating competition of who can develop and equip their citizens the fastest with security-preserving digital technologies, countries like Taiwan and Japan are miles ahead in a one-man race.
Paul Scully MP, appointed under the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), voiced his view that Britain should not strive to compete with APAC leaders and level the playing ground to create a broader market of global players in chip-making.
Instead he suggested that the UK’s chip and semiconductor industry should better focus their efforts on niche manufacturing, The Financial Times reported. Independent, smaller-scale chip production will not risk undermining the standout leaders in this market, located in the APAC region and replicate solutions.
This indicated that the UK is not willing to participate in a race emerging between super-bodies in Asia, U.S. and Europe to build competitive chip-making facilities to compete with the rate of their digital transformation.
The U.S. and Netherlands are also considered leaders that invest heavily to secure their share in the chip market, as well as Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. There is also interdependence between these established producers that rely on each other for different types of chips, proving that the production system is “complex, integrated, and not easy to disentangle” with countries not mastering all chip elements or variations.
The main global semiconductor producers have a codependent relationship and are also large chip importers.
The UK’s investment funding of just £1 billion to offer British chip companies, unveiled in May, shows a significant difference with financial resources of APAC leaders to invest in infrastructure. The investment which has been allocated will just focus on design and “advanced packaging”, leaving criteria such as data storage and capability and security unanswered for in Paul Scully’s comments.
The UK is a strong link within the chip supply chain which is not solely based on chip production.
“We are not going to recreate Taiwan in south Wales,” he said. “It’s just not going to happen.”
Chips are accelerated in today’s digital and data economy for powering information-orientated insights and ultimately helping in many industries for identification.
Scully is co-chair on the government’s imminent semiconductor advisory board which will oversee the national strategy, ensuring that the UK leverages its opportunity instead of replicating mass produced chips.
The panel, including some opponents to the UK’s chip policies, does not aim to discourage or block big chip companies from continuing to grow.
