Can we trust that our biometric data is secure?
No. 84: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
The rise of biometric technology promises a new era of convenience and security. From facial recognition systems in smartphones to fingerprint scanners at border controls, these innovations streamline our interactions with the digital and physical world and can bring real business value such as operational efficiency, security, fighting crime or behavioural analytics. However, the integration of biometric data brings significant privacy and security challenges that we cannot afford to overlook.
In India, the increased use of biometric data in governance has brought both benefits and risks to the forefront. A recent data breach exposed sensitive information, including fingerprints and facial scans of law enforcement officials. This incident underscores the potential misuse of biometric data, as such breaches not only compromise personal privacy but also threaten national security by exposing critical information.
In the UK, Facewatch is being sued over a facial recognition system which wrongly identified a 19-year-old girl as a shoplifter. Simultaneously, another claimant is bringing action against the Metropolitan Police for being wrongfully flagged, detained and questioned after a facial recognition misidentification. These cases highlight the ongoing challenges of accuracy, accountability and reliability in these systems.
Moreover, the growing threat of AI-generated deepfake audio and video adds another layer of complexity to biometric data misuse. A recent study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate highlighted how easily voice cloning services can create convincing fake statements from political figures, posing significant risks to the integrity of democratic processes. Given that 2024 is a massive election year globally, this misuse of AI is something lawmakers, the public and developers need to be especially wary of and find ways to tackle.
As we move forward, it is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging the benefits of biometric technology and protecting individual privacy and security. Businesses must ensure they follow established guidelines for handling this data, as well as proper procedures for how decisions are made using it. Regulatory bodies must also continue to establish clear guidelines and enforce penalties for mishandling biometric data.
As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.
Seena, Editor
News
Teachers in Australia call for body-worn cameras to address classroom violence
In response to rising classroom violence, teachers in Queensland, Australia are advocating for body-worn cameras to be part of their uniform. The proposed body cameras aim to document incidents and help parents understand the challenges teachers are facing. This also comes after over 20,000 students were expelled or suspended last year for physical aggression.
9News: Teachers call for body-worn cameras in classrooms as abuse spikes
The Sydney Morning Herald: Teachers call for trial of body cameras in classrooms
India suffers major breach of sensitive biometric data
India has suffered a major data breach after sensitive information, including fingerprints and facial scans of law enforcement and military officials, were leaked. This breach coincides with India's current moves to increase the use of biometric data to improve governance and has sparked significant privacy concerns about the security of this data.
WIRED: A Leak of Biometric Police Data Is a Sign of Things to Come
Facewatch faces lawsuit over wrongful facial recognition match
Biometric security company Facewatch is being sued after its facial recognition system wrongly identified a 19-year-old as a shoplifter in Manchester. The claimant, with the support of Big Brother Watch, is taking legal action against Facewatch and Home Bargains.
Another separate claimant is bringing action against the Metropolitan Police for wrongfully being detained and questioned due to a false facial recognition identification.
Biometric Update: Facewatch, Met police face lawsuits after facial recognition misidentification
Ticketmaster data breach exposes millions of customers' information
Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, has recently confirmed a data breach affecting up to 560 million customers. Data including names, addresses, phone numbers, and partial credit card details were stolen by hackers, with a demand for ransom.
BBC News: Ticketmaster confirms hack which could affect 560m
The Guardian: Ticketmaster hit by data hack that may affect 560m customers
West Palm Beach expands smart city initiative with AI-enabled surveillance
West Palm Beach is entering a new phase of a smart city project, involving sensors tracking pedestrian and vehicle movements, AI and facial recognition. This initiative continues from a 2019 program collecting Wi-fi and cell phone data to enhance city services and infrastructure. While aimed at improving mobility and safety, the initiative has raised privacy concerns among residents and experts.
WLRN: Cameras using AI will make West Palm Beach a 'smart city.' Privacy is a top concern
AI Snippet of the Week
AI voice cloning poses threat to 2024 election integrity
A study from the Center for Countering Digital Hate has shown how easily voice cloning AI technology can be used, as well as the threat it poses to elections this year. Six voice cloning services were tested, with 193 out of 240 attempts successfully generating fake statements from major political figures.
Tech Crunch: Voice cloning of political figures is still easy as pie
Policy Updates
The American Privacy Rights Act advances through Congress amidst lawmaker concerns
The American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) has progressed through to the US House but has caused divisions among lawmakers. Key issues being discussed include the integration of COPPA 2.0 for children's online privacy, as well as concerns over biometric privacy, data broker rules, and state attorney general powers.
IAPP: Proposed American Privacy Rights Act clears US House subcommittee
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