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U.K. introduces first-in-the-world shoeprint database
Forensic Science Service asks shoe manufacturers to provide sole impressions; more than 1,000 Nike trainers are enrolled already; Cinderella analysis guides police to the suspect
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Dutch to permit citizens to scan own ePassports for errors
European law permits citizens to review and correct personal data; Rochford Thompson installs RFID readers in application offices; privacy issues continue to hamper ePassport usage
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Lack of readers delays ePassport roll-out
Although more than thirty countries have begun issuing the documents, few have installed (or turned on) the neccesary readers; many wait for market saturization, but often governments are to blame for failing to develop proper privacy regulations
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Bioscrypt selected for Canadian airport I.D.authentication system
Company follows up purchase of A4Vision with a foray northwards; primary contractor Labcal will incorporate Bioscrypt’s fingerprint algorithims into its handheld I.D. readers; twenty-nine airports effected
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NYC employees to punch in using hand geometry scanners
Move sparks cries of “geoslavery,” but mayor denies claims he intends to introduce iris scans and voice recognition systems; managing employee response key to a succesful biometrics roll-out; buddy-punching remains a critical problem
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Maine lawmakers revolt against Real ID Act
State is first in the nation to pass a resolution demanding the act be repealed, but eight others are considering it too; legislators upset over $185 million cost and doubt the program’s utility; privacy advocates call it a national nightmare
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3M, Authentix and others launch International Authentication Association
Industry group will serve as a spokesman and lobbyist with media and government; eighteen companies band together to raise awareness of new anti-counterfeiting techniques; Johnson and Johnson’s David Howard is named chairman
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Reliability continues to plague TWIC
Lockheed wins a major $70 million contract, but low bidding may hide quality issues; “bait and switch” says one critic; cards said to suffer 50 percent error rates with unacceptable processing times; flimsy card stock at issue
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London Olympics to sport photometric stereo facial recognition technology
Intriguing approach uses a single camera and multiple sequential flashes to develop a “facial skin signature”; software uses slightly differing shadows to generate a 3D image of higher quality than conventional facial recognition systems; skin color and tone can both be identified
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Lockheed wins $70 million TWIC port worker contract
Company will supply 850,000 with biometric I.D. cards; technical challenges appear to have been overcome; BearingPoint loses out again on a major biometrics project; TSA to officially announce award soon
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Bioscrypt snatches up A4Vision in stock swap
Deal brings together Bioscrypt’s strength in fingerprint algorithims with A4Visions’s 3D facial recognition technology; company will now offer off-the-shelf finished readers for both finger and 3D face biometrics; investors add another $8 million to the venture
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Northrop Grumman anounces $95 million in new U.S. biometric deals
One day after announcing a $75 million contract to provide DoD with an integrated biometrics system, company announces three other deals owrth $20 million
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Digital fingerprints, with roots in WWII, attract attention
Identifying a users “fist” permits stronger password protection; even Web surfing habits can be used to detect on-line fraud; writeprints offer a method of identifying bulletin board users by their grammar and syntax; privacy experts express concern
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NIST discovers ideal height for fingerscanning machines
Improper installation can lead to slower enrollment times and higher error rates; 26 inches causes better image quality, but 36 inches makes the process go smoother
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Zombie masters move into the 21st century
Oak Ridge scientists identify thirty distinct compounds emitted from rotting bodies; data will help train dogs, but cunning investors may see opportunities for handheld sensor devices; report recalls a fingerscanning device intended for the deceased
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The long view
“The Federal Government Is Gone”: Under Trump, the Fight Against Extremist Violence Is Left Up to the States
As President Donald Trump guts the main federal office dedicated to preventing terrorism, states say they’re left to take the lead in spotlighting threats. Some state efforts are robust, others are fledgling, and yet other states are still formalizing strategies for addressing extremism. With the federal government largely retreating from focusing on extremist dangers, prevention advocates say the threat of violent extremism is likely to increase.