New Advances & Issues in Facial Recognition & Digital Identity

The world of digital identity and biometrics is evolving rapidly, with significant developments in facial recognition, deepfakes, and biometric border control. Recently, human rights groups employed facial recognition technology to identify individuals allegedly involved in attacks on anti-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) demonstrators in San Francisco. The groups analyzed photos and videos of the assaults, cross-referencing them with media reports and the websites of pro-Beijing organizations. Their report uncovered 34 incidents of harassment and assault by pro-Beijing demonstrators, linked to U.S.-based community organizations with ties to Chinese political-influence operations.\n\nIn other news, IdentityWeek.net has published two new reports analyzing critical topics in the identity industry  deepfakes and biometric border control. The first report, “The Next Challenge  The Gold Standard for Defeating AI Deepfakes,” explores how biometrics firms such as iProov, Sumsub, and TECH5 are developing systems to detect and flag synthetic biometric images. It also examines the regulatory environment, including the EU’s AI Act and the role of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology in anti-spoofing technology assessment.\n\nMeanwhile, British chip parts maker IQE Plc, known for supplying key components in Apple’s Face ID technology, has announced plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. 

The company, which produces epitaxial wafers (epi-wafers) crucial for iPhone facial recognition sensors, aims to list IQE Taiwan on the TWSE, selling a minority shareholding while retaining control.\n\nIn addition, Hong Kong International Airport has launched a new service allowing passengers to check in their baggage in less than a minute using facial recognition and mobile phones. Travelers aged 11 and older with electronic travel documents can register via their airline’s app and use NFC to scan their passports. At the airport, they use facial recognition machines at express bag drop counters to complete the process.\n\nChina has also proposed a draft policy for digital IDs to enhance online identity verification and protect personal information. The draft suggests two types of cyberspace IDs  alphanumeric codes and online credentials, both linked to real identities without revealing biographical data. A national platform will authenticate and issue these IDs, reducing the need for personal data collection by internet service providers.\n\nFurthermore, Apple’s Mobile ID has been adopted by Ohio, enabling travelers to store a digital version of their state ID or driver’s license in their Apple Wallet. This allows them to pass through TSA security checkpoints at John Glenn International Airport and Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport.\n\nHowever, concerns about deepfakes have been raised following a video that used AI to clone Vice President Kamala Harris’s voice. The video, shared by Elon Musk on his X social media platform, mimicked Harris making false statements. Initially shared without a disclaimer, Musk later clarified it was satire, highlighting the dangers of AI-generated content in politics.\n\nFinally, Columbia County, New York, has implemented new facial recognition and privacy policies alongside upgrades to its surveillance system. The measures aim to address privacy concerns by limiting tracking and data storage, restricting database access to essential public safety personnel.

"Q: What is the purpose of the draft policy for digital IDs in China?

A: The draft policy aims to enhance online identity verification and protect personal information by introducing two types of cyberspace IDs: alphanumeric codes and online credentials.

Q: How does Apple's Mobile ID work in Ohio?

A: Travelers can store a digital version of their state ID or driver’s license in their Apple Wallet, allowing them to pass through TSA security checkpoints at John Glenn International Airport and Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Q: What is the concern about deepfakes in politics?

A: Deepfakes can be used to create false statements or videos that can mislead voters, highlighting the need for robust security measures like liveness detection and 3D imaging to counter deepfake threats.

Q: What is the purpose of the new facial recognition and privacy policies in Columbia County, New York?

A: The measures aim to address privacy concerns by limiting tracking and data storage, restricting database access to essential public safety personnel.

Q: How does the facial recognition technology work at Hong Kong International Airport?

A: Travelers aged 11 and older with electronic travel documents can register via their airline’s app and use NFC to scan their passports. At the airport, they use facial recognition machines at express bag drop counters to complete the process."