Let Privacy Bring Us Together in the New Congress
(The Hill, Dec 01, 2022)
As we head into the next Congress, we do so knowing that that millions of dollars have been spent sending negative campaign messages over our airwaves and to our phones and mailboxes, highlighting the things that divide us. There is no question that our national discourse has gotten more heated, more divisive, and more polarized. As we saw in the last Congress, when all we do is talk about things that tear the country apart, it is difficult to get anything done on a bipartisan basis. In spite of this polarization, there is one issue that does bring millions of Americans of all political persuasions together: the need for stronger privacy and security protections for our personal information.
Facial Recognition Considered for Future of Newark and Sherwood District Council's Ageing CCTV
(Newarkadvertiser.co, Dec 01, 2022)
Facial recognition could be considered for Newark and Sherwood’s CCTV system, which needs an overhaul amid the claim some ageing cameras are unable to recognise a pigeon’s head from two metres. It was suggested at a meeting of Newark and Sherwood District Council that CCTV could be used more effectively to combat anti-social behaviour. This could include having cameras monitored in real time rather than retrospectively. Monday’s meeting of the policy and performance improvement committee heard the line of sight from some CCTV cameras were blocked by new buildings or overgrown trees. Logically the success of CCTV cameras is dependent on having a clear field of view. Ronnie White, a member of the committee, said: “One point in question is Lidl on London Road. They have put a great big sign up in front of it and you can only see down one side of the road now.” There are around 70 screens and hundreds of cameras that must be monitored so, the committee heard, it is unrealistic to expect all to be viewed at once.
Port of San Diego Adds Contactless Biometric Immigration Checks Using Facial Recognition
(NFCW, Dec 01, 2022)
Passengers arriving on international cruise ships at the US port of San Diego can now verify their identity on entry to the country using biometric face recognition technology rather than by presenting physical documents to immigration officers from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). San Diego is the latest port to add support for the contactless biometric entry system that has been rolled out in 16 US sea ports across Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, California, Washington, Louisiana, Alabama, Puerto Rico and Maryland. On disembarking from a ship at San Diego and other ports that support the technology, “passengers will pause for a photo that will be compared to the traveller’s existing passport or visa photo in secure DHS systems to biometrically verify their identity,” CBP explains.
The Future of Airport Security Technology
(Security Magazine, Dec 01, 2022)
Using biometrics in airports will make the check-in process faster and more secure. Instead of having to show a physical passport, travelers will be able to simply walk into an airport and walk through security as facial recognition software matches their face to their passport photo previously shared — with permission — to authenticate their identity. Users will be able to have their personal identity credentials (including biometric data) stored on their mobile devices, so they are ready to go upon arrival at the airport. This process will start at home, allowing travelers to check in using the virtual credentials stored on their mobile devices, simplifying and streamlining the in-airport process. This process will also consist of additional security since the biometric data will be tokenized, making it significantly more difficult for hackers to compromise.
New Orleans Reverses Facial Recognition Ban to Help Police Fight Crime; Privacy Experts are Wary
(FoxNews, Dec 01, 2022)
As violent crime continues to plague New Orleans, investigators have been given another tool to help solve cases following a reversal over the summer of a ban on facial recognition software despite privacy, civil rights and accuracy concerns from detractors. The New Orleans Police Department began training officers on the software over the summer, but its use will be limited in scope to prevent potential abuses, New Orleans Police Sgt. David Barnes told Fox News Digital. He noted that the technology is not used to prevent crime or for purposes of probable cause but, instead, to aid in investigations of crimes that have already occurred. "We cannot make an arrest or get a search warrant or anything based on a facial recognition match," Barnes said. "The only thing it does is provide us a possible ID of someone so that we can continue the investigation to see if they are even a viable suspect."
