DOGE Has Arrived at the Heart of Homeland Security’s Biometrics Operations
(Scoop News Group, May 06, 2025)
Three people, including one person within DHS and two more familiar with the matter, confirmed that DOGE now has a presence at the agency. Two of those sources added that DOGE seems to have restarted conversations about the future of the Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) program, which DHS has long hoped would replace the agency’s current biometrics database — the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT), one of the world’s largest known systems of that kind.
Southwest Oklahoma Legislative Update: Senate
(Southwest Ledger, May 06, 2025)
SR 18 raises concerns over the collection and retention of sensitive biometric information — such as facial recognition data — required for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identi-fication cards. Although Oklahoma offers both compliant and noncompliant IDs, according to Sacchieri’s press release, the resolution notes that the state currently collects, stores, and shares personal data in the same way for both, creating what it calls a “distinction without a difference.”
How are AI-Powered Surveillance and Public Safety Changing London?
(London Post, May 06, 2025)
London is known globally as the location of one of the highest concentrations of surveillance cameras. This technology now incorporates AI, which includes features like facial recognition, behavior prediction, and real-time alerts to the London police force to send resources out to investigate.
Big Win for Privacy Rights
(Daily Nation, May 06, 2025)
Two years ago, thousands of Kenyans, hoping to make easy money, had their biometric data collected in a blatant invasion of their privacy. It has taken a legal case to reverse the racket.
Biometric Attendance Made Mandatory in Waziristan Schools
(The International News, May 07, 2025)
An official letter, issued to both male and female District Education Officers (DEOs), outlined the immediate implementation of Education Management Information System biometric devices to ensure regular and verifiable attendance of teaching staff.
