Police Could Be Sued Over Use of Live Facial Recognition Tech, Watchdog Says
(Morning Star, May 15, 2026)
The UK’s Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner warned that police forces could face lawsuits if live facial recognition technology misidentifies members of the public and interferes with rights such as privacy, freedom of movement, and freedom of association. The warning came ahead of the Metropolitan Police’s planned use of the technology at a Tommy Robinson-led rally, with the commissioner stressing that facial recognition is predictive, not foolproof, and needs a clearer legal framework. Amnesty International UK criticized the technology as dangerous and discriminatory, citing concerns about racial bias, false arrests, weak regulation, and police forces effectively setting their own rules without sufficient oversight.
Seventh Circuit Weighs in on Critical BIPA Retroactivity Question
(JD Supra, May 15, 2026)
The Seventh Circuit held that Illinois’ 2024 amendment to the Biometric Information Privacy Act applies retroactively to cases that were already pending when the amendment took effect. The ruling sharply limits damages exposure in BIPA cases by treating repeated collection or disclosure of the same person’s biometric data through the same method as one compensable violation, rather than separate “per scan” violations. The decision reduces potential damages in many pending biometric privacy class actions, but companies still face significant risk if they fail to meet BIPA’s notice, consent, retention, and data-destruction requirements.
AI Fraud Crackdown Risks Locking Blind Users Out of Biometric Identity Systems
(Biometric Update, May 15, 2026)
Government identity verification systems are creating new barriers for blind and low-vision users as agencies adopt stricter biometric checks to fight AI-enabled fraud. A new study found that selfie-to-ID matching, liveness checks, and document-upload workflows often assume users can visually align their face, ID, or camera, making the process difficult or impossible to complete independently. Researchers warn that when these systems fail, users are pushed toward less secure workarounds, including sharing sensitive information with sighted helpers or relying on phone verification, even as AI voice cloning and deepfake scams make those fallback channels more vulnerable.
Harvard Launched an Open-Source Wallet That Stores Biometric Data on Your Phone Instead of Servers
(Digital Trends, May 04, 2026)
Harvard researchers launched Keyring, an open-source digital identity wallet designed to keep identity credentials on a user’s phone instead of storing sensitive information in centralized company databases. The tool lets users verify limited facts, such as age or account ownership, without handing over broader personal details, with biometric authentication handled locally on the device. The project is framed as a privacy-focused alternative to the growing use of online identity checks and age verification systems, where companies often collect more personal data than necessary.
[Video] ‘Facial Recognition’: Video Shows New Option for Faster Boarding at YVR
(Vancouver Is Awesome, May 15, 2026)
Vancouver International Airport is promoting biometric boarding as a faster option for select passengers, allowing travelers to board by looking into a facial recognition camera instead of showing a boarding pass or physical identification. The system is available for select Air Canada domestic flights through Air Canada’s Digital ID program and for some U.S.-bound flights through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Traveller Verification Service. YVR says the programs are optional, passengers may use manual processing instead, and gate agents remain available to assist travelers.
