Week of December 2, 2024
In case you missed it, here’s a recap of some exciting news and developments this week impacting identity and fraud, cybersecurity, trust and safety, financial crimes compliance, and privacy and consent management.
📆 Mark your calendar! Don’t miss these upcoming events in December:
🪄Innovation and New Technology Developments
Defense Department Awards $2.4M to Hive AI for Cutting-Edge Deepfake Detection Technology
The US Department of Defense has awarded a $2.4 million contract to Hive to develop advanced deepfake detection technology to combat AI-generated disinformation threats. Hive AI's tools aim to enhance national security by identifying subtle patterns in AI-generated content, though experts warn they could be vulnerable to tampering by sophisticated actors. The Defense Innovation Unit highlights the need to maintain the US's information advantage and sees potential for these tools in civilian sectors. Hive's partnership with the DOD includes providing secure models for offline use while refining its technology. (Source)
CLEAR Unveils EnVe Pods for Faster, Contactless Airport Identity Verification
CLEAR has introduced its EnVe Pods, a new identity verification technology, at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and 11 other airports nationwide. The system, part of CLEAR’s NextGen Identity program, uses wide-angle cameras to verify travelers’ faces, eliminating the need for fingerprint or iris scans. Designed to be five times faster, the technology aims to streamline the security process for CLEAR Plus customers. CLEAR plans to deploy EnVe Pods across all 58 airports in its network by 2025, with no added cost to customers. (Source)
Ghana Unveils Biometric E-Passport as a Step Toward Digital Transformation
Ghana has launched an upgraded biometric e-passport featuring a microprocessor chip with the holder's biometric data. This initiative enhances security, prevents identity theft, and streamlines the application process. Managed by Biometric Travel Solutions Ltd and Hungary's ANY Security Printing Company Plc, it is part of a 10-year agreement. The e-passport incorporates Ghanaian cultural symbols and meets ICAO standards, aligning with the government’s goal to digitize public services, following initiatives like the CitizenApp. (Source)
Yoti Launches Digital Student IDs for Seamless Age and Identity Verification in the UK
Yoti has launched a feature allowing students to register their physical student cards as digital IDs via its app using selfie biometrics and liveness checks. These digital IDs enable access to age-restricted goods, discounted transportation, and other verifications like right-to-work checks. Accredited under the UK's PASS, the app securely displays student details while keeping personal data private, aiming to streamline age and identity verification for nearly 3 million higher education students in the UK. (Source)
South Korea Unveils Blockchain-Backed Mobile ID System in Landmark Digital Identity Shift
South Korea will launch mobile resident registration cards in December, advancing its digitized identification system. Starting December 27, citizens aged 17 and older can apply for mobile IDs for a ₩5,000 fee. These digital cards use blockchain and encryption for security and are limited to one registered phone per user, with a three-year renewal. To encourage adoption, free IC cards will be provided to 468,000 15-year-olds. A two-month pilot in nine municipalities will precede the nationwide rollout. Minister Lee Sang-min highlighted the importance of this secure and user-friendly transition. (Source)
Afghanistan’s e-Tazkira: A Digital ID System Marred by Corruption, Costs, and Accessibility Challenges
Afghanistan’s e-Tazkira digital ID system, aimed at modernizing identity verification, faces criticism under Taliban rule due to inefficiencies and corruption. Many citizens experience delays of months despite completing necessary processes, often resorting to bribes to speed up applications. The cost of e-Tazkira cards has risen fivefold, burdening families amid an economic crisis. Limited distribution centers also force rural citizens to travel long distances, leading to calls for more local services. While the National Statistics and Information Authority has started mobile teams and new centers, significant gaps and public dissatisfaction persist.(Source)
Air Canada Launches Facial Recognition Boarding at YVR, Redefining Domestic Air Travel
Air Canada will launch digital identification for boarding most domestic flights at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) starting December 3. This new feature, developed with YVR, uses facial recognition to quickly verify travelers' identities, eliminating the need for physical IDs or boarding passes. Integrated into the Air Canada app, it provides a seamless travel experience with features like real-time flight updates and baggage tracking. The program is consent-based, ensuring travelers maintain control over their personal data. Initially for boarding and lounge access, it will expand to more airport touchpoints in the future. (Source)
.MUSIC Introduces Smart Tools to Protect Artists and Redefine Digital Identity in Music
The .MUSIC registry has launched two tools, SmartBadge and SmartPage, to assist music creators in managing their digital identities. SmartBadge is a QR code-embedded badge that verifies .MUSIC profiles to protect against fraud, while SmartPage offers branded pages for artists, featuring biographies and verified social media links. These tools enhance authenticity and security in the music industry, backed by figures like Fred Durst and Skylar Grey. Exclusively for the music community, .MUSIC domains also provide a secure single sign-on system for easier access to services. (Source)
New Zealand Launches Secure Digital Identity Framework for User-Controlled Credentials
New Zealand has introduced the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework (DISTF) to facilitate secure digital identity services like driving licenses and bank IDs, effective November 8, 2024. The framework prioritizes user privacy, security, and control, mandating compliance with strict privacy standards. Minister Judith Collins highlighted that it empowers users to manage what information they share while enforcing data minimization to prevent unauthorized access. This initiative aims to protect against identity theft, offering New Zealanders a secure way to handle their digital credentials. (Source)
💰 Investments and Partnerships
Veeam Secures $2B Funding at $15B Valuation Ahead of Potential IPO
A data security and recovery company raised $2 billion in a secondary share sale led by TPG, valuing it at $15 billion—up from $5 billion during its 2020 acquisition by Insight Partners. With annual recurring revenue of $1.7 billion and 18% year-over-year growth, the company aims to provide liquidity to early investors and onboarding strategic investors before a potential IPO, although no timeline has been set. The funds will support research, development, and acquisitions. (Source)
Rarimo Secures $2.5M to Scale Zero-Knowledge Digital Identity and Target Proof-of-Personhood Market
Rarimo has secured $2.5 million to enhance its zero-knowledge digital identity protocol, aiming to enter the proof-of-personhood market and migrate to Ethereum by early 2025. This protocol allows for identity verification without sharing personal information and is supported by the self-custody wallet, RariMe, which utilizes biometric passports for user registration and re-verification. Rarilabs, the developer, previously raised $10 million in 2022 and partnered with Georgia’s United National Movement for a blockchain-based digital government platform. While critics point out the complexity and potential insecurity of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), supporters believe recent advances have made ZKPs more efficient and viable compared to centralized identity systems. (Source)
Upwind Soars to $900M Valuation with $100M Funding Amid Surging Cloud Security Demand
U.S.-Israeli cloud security firm Upwind has raised $100 million in a funding round led by Craft Ventures , bringing its total funding to $180 million and valuing the company at approximately $900 million—tripling in a year. Founded in 2022, CEO Amiram Shachar aims to expand in the U.S. and Europe to meet the increasing demand for cloud security, with only 15% of global workloads currently in the cloud. Shachar envisions Upwind becoming a major player in the sector, potentially leading to a public offering as the market grows. (Source)
⚖️ Policy and Regulatory
Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban Sparks Global Praise and Practicality Concerns
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the country's social media ban for children under 16, responding to Elon Musk's criticism, which he deemed self-serving. The law, imposing penalties up to AU$49.5 million for non-compliance, will begin enforcement trials in January, with full implementation expected within a year. While supporters hail it as a groundbreaking tech regulation, critics question its practicality and effectiveness in tackling harmful content, highlighting the tensions around Australia's bold regulatory approach. (Source)
EU Investigates TikTok's Role in Election Manipulation Under Digital Services Act Scrutiny
The European Commission is closely examining TikTok's compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) amid concerns over its role in Romania's presidential elections. TikTok is accused of enabling inauthentic behavior and supporting far-right candidate Călin Georgescu through paid influencer propaganda. As part of its investigation, the Commission has issued a "retention order" for TikTok to preserve relevant data. While TikTok is willing to cooperate, this incident highlights the EU's push for greater transparency and accountability from major online platforms ahead of important elections. (Source)
Texas Court Halts Corporate Transparency Act, Citing Constitutional Overreach
A Texas federal court has issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which mandated U.S. businesses to disclose beneficial ownership information. Judge Amos L. Mazzant III ruled that the CTA exceeded Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause. Although the law aimed to combat anonymous shell companies and money laundering, the court deemed its enforcement unconstitutional, raising concerns about hindering anti-money laundering efforts before an important reporting deadline. (Source)
Papua New Guinea Proposes Mandatory Digital ID and Youth Social Media Ban for Online Safety
Papua New Guinea’s Ministry for ICT has proposed a draft Social Media Policy Concept Note to restrict youth access to certain platforms and mandate digital ID (SevisPass) for adults to verify age on restricted sites. This initiative aims to combat online fraud, disinformation, and violence linked to sorcery accusations. Social media companies would need to register in the country. The draft law, set for introduction in January 2025, will face public consultations before formal legislation, reflecting similar debates in Australia on online safety and freedom. (Source)
Massive NADRA Data Breach Exposes 2.7 Million Pakistanis, Spotlighting Urgent Cybersecurity Failures
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in Pakistan faced a major data breach affecting 2.7 million citizens from 2019 to 2023. Investigations revealed insider involvement and the sale of stolen data, resulting in the dismissal of several officials. The breach highlighted vulnerabilities in NADRA's cybersecurity, budget issues, and operational inefficiencies, raising concerns about identity theft and challenges for vulnerable communities in obtaining ID. It underscores the urgent need for better cybersecurity measures, stricter access controls, staff training, and enhanced oversight. (Source)
U.S. Coast Guard Warns of Cybersecurity Threats from Chinese-Made Cranes in Critical Ports
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued Maritime Security Directive 105-5, alerting that Chinese-made ship-to-shore (STS) cranes pose significant cybersecurity risks due to remote access vulnerabilities. With 80% of STS cranes in U.S. ports from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), concerns over espionage and sabotage have increased. A House Homeland Security Committee report noted risks such as unauthorized modem installations and remote access requests from ZPMC. Intelligence-collection devices have also been discovered on Chinese cranes at U.S. ports like Baltimore, raising national security alarms. (Source)
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