Dec-05-09 Public Supports Biometric Technology in Passports and Drivers' Licenses, but is Concerned about Cost and Government Abuse; As States Tackle New ID Requirements, Government Transparency Critical

Most Americans support adding biometric identifiers to existing government-issued ID documents, including passports (79 percent)…

Sep-09-09 New NIST publications describe standards for identity credentials and authentication systems

NIST is responsible for developing specifications for PIV cards required for the government under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12. These smart cards have embedded chips that hold information and biometric data such as specific types of patterns in fingerprints called "minutiae" along with a unique identifying number. The goal is to develop methods that allow each worker to have a PIV card that works with PIV equipment at all government agencies and with all card-reader equipment regardless of the manufacturer.

Aug-25-09 Biometric Online Consumer Protection Division Set Up by Biotraits to Guard Families and Children, Battle Identity Theft and Protect Home Computers from Predators

BioTraits Consumer Protection Division is developing workforce management products that will focus on preventing identity theft and protecting children from web-based predators.

Aug-25-09 Global Biometric Forecast to 2012 Biometric Market Expected To Grow 18%

The Global Biometrics market is witnessing swift acceptance and implementation in both public and private sectors as an accurate, reliable and cost-saving way to offer better and advanced security surveillance. Ever-increasing security concerns such as individual identity theft and corporate security to national security are driving the biometric market.

Aug-24-09 Government of Canada to Prevent Immigration Fraud Through International Cooperation

Under the partnership, Canada will be able to securely and confidentially check fingerprints with those stored in Australian and U.K. databases. The initiative was developed under the Five Country Conference (FCC) - a forum for immigration and border security - between Canada, Australia, the U.K., the United States and New Zealand. The United States will be joining the initiative shortly, and New Zealand is considering legislation to join in the near future.

Aug-20-09 Ambervision.org Is An Online Enrollment Service For Parents To Store The Information Required To Issue An AMBER Alert

SecurLinx Corporation introduced AmberVision.org, at the FBI National Academy Associates Conference in Louisville, KY. AmberVision is an online enrollment service for parents to store the information required to issue an AMBER Alert.

Jul-21-09 Secretary Napolitano, Governors Show Support for Pass ID in Mississippi

Secretary Napolitano. “I am proud to join our nation’s governors in supporting Pass ID—a cost-effective, common-sense solution that balances critical security requirements with the input and practical needs of state governments.”

Jul-18-09 It’s All About the Cost

Biometric technologies also can assist in preventing fraud and abuse in government programs. Expanding health coverage to tens of millions of people is a daunting task. The prospect of duplicate enrollments and other attempts to game the system must be addressed, and biometrics offer a solution.

Jul-15-09 Frost & Sullivan: North American Government Biometrics Markets Thrive With Active R&D Thrust

The regulatory-driven activities and initiatives of the government have enabled the North American government biometrics market to become a high revenue generator. The U.S. mandated Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the border management control programs, the national ID programs, driver's license, and the physical access and logical access control programs for buildings have opened the doors of opportunity for biometric vendors.

Jul-13-09 Global Biometric Forecast to 2012

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Jul-02-09 US-VISIT Fortifies Security

Previously, over-stayers were only discovered if they had encounter with police.

Jul-01-09 Pact to bar High-Risk Travelers Formalized by United States and Spain

The US and Portugal sign Preventing and Combating Crime (PCC) Agreement allowing the exchange of biometric and biographic data to strengthen counterterrorism and law enforcement in both nations.

Jun-12-09 NIST Ranks Sagem Sécurité #1 in face and iris recognition technology

Seven companies and five universities, under conditions typical of applications for border control and identity management. Sagem Sécurité is the only company to have reached this level of accuracy in all three types of biometric recognition: face, iris and a combination of the two.

May-17-09 Swiss Passport Vote Wins Majority

Swiss voters approved of the new electronic passport and a central fingerprint register.

Final results show supporters with 5,500 votes more than opponents – making this one of the closest results in recent Swiss history.

May-13-09 Biometric Technology Spans All Services

Earlier this year, a DoD-wide data call requested by LTG Stephen Boutelle, Army Chief Information Officer/G-6, asked military components to report on biometric technology systems being “used or planning to be used.” This information, collected by the DoD Biometrics Management Office, provides a general summary of emerging biometric technologies. Though the findings are still preliminary, they do outline general trends.

May-11-09 Houston Transport Company, Alerts Truckers to New U.S. Coast Guard Security Clearance Requirements

Individuals meeting TWIC eligibility requirements will be issued a tamper-resistant credential containing the worker's biometric (fingerprint template) to allow for a positive link between the card and the individual.

May-01-09 LAUNCH OF RISE: AN INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE PLATFORM DEVOTED TO ETHICS OF BIOMETRICS AND SECURITY TECHNOLOGY

RISE’s mission is to create an internationally recognized ethical framework to be used while planning and managing security policies, notably biometrics. Ethical implications of biometric identification technologies directly concern respect for body integrity and dignity, protection of weaker communities and their privacy rights.

Apr-24-09 IDEX ASA receives the 2009 Frost & Sullivan Global Swipe Sensor Product Differentiation Innovation of the Year Award

Leading analysts recognize IDEX’s successful initiative in improving its innovative SmartFinger® swipe sensor.

IDEX has delivered the most comprehensive swipe sensor technology solutions enabling cell phone, notebook, access and attendance, increased security of financial transactions, all with dramatically improved customer experience," said Dr. Ralph W. Bernstein, CEO/CTO of IDEX.

Mar-19-09 Frost & Sullivan: Advances in Biometrics Remedy the Need for Increased Security

Currently, the governmental sector occupies 44.5% of the current market share; however, an increasing number of biometric products are being developed for commercial markets, particularly the financial, healthcare, retail and educational sectors.

Mar-17-09 New Biometric Standards Facilitate Exchange of Biometrics, Facilitate Biometrically Enabled Drivers’ Licenses and International Travel Documents

Latest update of published and emerging biometric standards. Seven new and/or updated standards were published since the last update issued in August 2008, bringing the total number of published standards to eighty(80).