Israel deploys facial recognition program in Gaza

Israel has deployed a sophisticated facial recognition program in the Gaza Strip, according to reports. The program, initiated after the 7 October attacks, employs technology from Google Photos and a proprietary tool from Corsight AI, an Israeli firm dedicated to creating industry-leading facial recognition technology to identify individuals linked to Hamas without their consent.

The facial recognition system, crafted in parallel with Israel’s military operations in Gaza, operates by collecting data from diverse sources, including social media platforms, surveillance footage, and inputs from Palestinian detainees. Israeli Unit 8200, the primary intelligence unit, played a pivotal role in identifying potential targets through these means.

Corsight’s technology, known for its claim to accurately identify individuals even with less than 50% of their face visible, was utilised to construct a facial recognition tool. Establishing checkpoints equipped with facial recognition cameras along critical routes used by Palestinians to escape southwards, the Israeli military aims to expand the database and pinpoint potential targets, compiling a ‘hit list’ of individuals associated with the 7 October attack.

Despite soldiers acknowledging Corsight’s technology’s limitations, particularly in grainy images or obscured faces, concerns persist over misidentifications. One such incident involved the mistaken apprehension of Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha, who faced interrogation and detention due to being flagged by the system.

South Korea launches investigation into Worldcoin’s personal data collection

South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has launched an investigation into cryptocurrency project Worldcoin following numerous complaints about its collection of personal information. Of particular concern is the project’s use of iris scanning in exchange for cryptocurrency. The PIPC announced on Monday that it will examine company’s collection, processing, and potential overseas transfer of sensitive personal information, and will take action if any violations of local privacy rules are found.

It is worth noting that OpenAI, which co-founded Worldcoin, was fined last year by the privacy watchdog for leaking personal information of South Korean citizens through its ChatGPT application. This connection with OpenAI adds weight to the concerns surrounding the handling of personal data by Worldcoin.

Worldcoin is an identity-focused cryptocurrency project. Participants in the protocol receive WLD tokens in return for signing up. The project’s unconventional sign-up process has also raised concerns in other jurisdictions. As of now, company has not responded to the investigation or the accusations.

Fake documents and synthetic identities led to higher fraud in financial services in 2022

A recent report exploring the impact of investing in IDV, released by Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identify verification (IDV) solutions, shows gaps in identity fraud between banking and fintech organisations worldwide. The research conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 found that every fourth bank reported more than 100 identity fraud incidents in 2022 (about 26% of organisations), while 17% were reported in the fintech sector. The most common form of fraud identity was the use of fake or modified physical documents.

The report further indicates the economic and collateral effects of identity fraud. The median cost of identity fraud for banks was nearly half a million dollars (about $479,000) and $120,000 for the fintech sector organizations. The collateral effects were related to business disruption (44%) and legal expenses (36%).

Preparations for Digital ID awareness campaign starts in Jamaica

The government of Jamaica has announced that the sensitisations on campaigns on implementing the National Identification System (NIDS) will begin as the procurement process is being finalised after it failed in 2022. This is part of the country’s effects to roll out its new generation biometric passport from 31 March 2023. 

During the campaign on digital ID sensitisation, free birth certificates will be issued. These birth certificates will enable those who receive them to apply for national IDs.

Philippines to add biometrics into voting machines for 2025 elections

The chairperson of the Commission on Elections in the Philippines said the commission will use new technology in the 2025 national elections. The technology will help to replace the old machines. The commission has already completed the biometrics, signature, facial and fingerprint. If these are integrated, it will help address the challenges of having a voter voting multiple times from one province to another city.

However, the commission is still struggling with funding challenges that limit the determination of the technology used. The new technology will replace the previous vote counting machines (VCMs) used in May 2022 polls. Vice President Sara Duterte has supported this move by advising Commission on Elections to consider doing away with ballot shading or handwriting on ballots during elections.

Ghana to issue card numbers to newborn babies as of 31 March

During an event organized by Breast Cancer International in conjunction with the office of the Vice President during the commemoration of International Women’s Day, Ghanaian Vice President Mr Bawumia announced that Ghana would start issuing card numbers to all new babies effective 31 March 2023. This was during a presentation in which the vice president highlighted some of the digital programs the government was planning to carry out in Ghana.

Kenya’s new digital Identity to be different from the Huduma Namba

By February 2024, all Kenyans will have digital IDs to access government services easily. The digital ID project differs from the Huduma Namba because it does not have an associated ID, and the government was considering online identification for Kenyans.

The digital identity will interact with the national information management system. All government-held data about Kenyans will also be linked to their digital identity, and all public services will be availed through digital channels.

South African national identification and registration bill approved by Cabinet

South African cabinet approved a draft National Identification and Registration Bill 2022, which will see the creation of a single integrated national information system for all persons living in South Africa. This will involve the integration of the three existing databases into one database being used in the country. On 18 February 2023, the Minister of Home Affairs revealed that final touches were being made on the bill, which would be released for public comments.

Chile extends Idemia contract to supply and support digital ID documents by a year

Chile’s authorities extended Idemia’s (a company specialising in biometric identification services) contract to help upgrade the country’s civil registry is being extended by a year. Chile had signed an initial 10-year contract with Idemia, which involves the provision of digital ID cards and biometric passports by Idemia. However, the cost has reduced from the initial US$700 million to $276 million after the Chilean Civil Registry declared that it would operate the system. Idemia has been offered a one-year extension to maintain the old system.

First securitised ID card launched in Sierra Leone

The president of Sierra Leone launched the first securitised ID card on 31 January. The president noted that this first multipurpose securitised ID card was vital for development planning and policy-making. The chip-based biometric ID, banks, microfinance institutions, forex bureaus, financial service providers, and mobile money providers would easily authenticate their customers at very low costs for trusted financial transactions.