A proposed bill known as the Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2023 aims to ensure that companies using artificial intelligence (AI) for critical decision-making conduct thorough impact assessments. The bill, introduced by Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Cory Booker, and Representative Yvette Clarke, would require companies to assess the effectiveness and potential bias of their AI systems. In addition, it would task the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with establishing guidelines for these assessments and mandate the publication of an annual anonymized aggregate report on related trends.
Senator Booker highlighted examples of flawed or biased AI systems, including facial recognition systems that display higher error rates among people with darker skin. The proposed bill aims to address these concerns by promoting accountability and transparency in AI usage.
Meanwhile, the Illinois Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a significant lawsuit filed under the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), which may exempt the healthcare sector from certain provisions of the law. The lawsuit alleges that Ingalls Memorial Hospital violated BIPA by using fingerprint recognition in automated medication dispensing cabinets without obtaining patients’ consent. The defense argues that the use of biometrics in patient care falls under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which includes a carveout for BIPA. If this argument is upheld, it could mean that a large segment of healthcare workers in Illinois would have no BIPA rights.
In other news, biometric traveler screening system CLEAR has expanded its network by bringing its expedited screening lanes to Buffalo Niagara International Airport’s Main Terminal. This move expands CLEAR’s presence to 54 airports across the country. With 17 million CLEAR members, travelers at BUF now have the option to quickly confirm their identity using an eye or fingerprint scan before proceeding to TSA security. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown sees this as an important amenity for the airport and expects it to bring jobs and investment to the region.
Additionally, Brendan Klare, the co-founder and Chief Scientist of ROC.ai, has been recognized with the 2023 Computer Science and Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award from Michigan State University (MSU). Klare, who completed his PhD at MSU, highlighted that eight MSU graduates currently work at ROC.ai. Furthermore, a team of MSU engineers was recently awarded a $12 million grant from the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) to continue their research on long-range biometric identification technologies.
Mitek, a company specializing in biometric identity verification and liveness detection technology, has partnered with Equifax to enhance the latter’s digital identity software. Mitek’s technology will be integrated into Equifax’s software, which previously introduced a selfie-based Digital Identity Suite for the residential rental application process. Meanwhile, Shufti Pro, a provider of selfie onboarding and liveness detection technology, has partnered with Newton Global, a firm owned by BNY Mellon. This partnership aims to help Newton Global ensure compliance with Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
Finally, Sumsub and OneID have collaborated to launch a Non-Document Verification solution in the United Kingdom. Sumsub’s biometric 3D face-mapping technology combined with OneID’s identity verification platform allows end users to create digital accounts without uploading images of their faces or identity documents. OneID’s platform verifies users against their official bank records through partnerships with institutions such as Barclays, Chase, and HSBC. This collaboration offers a convenient and secure way for users to establish digital accounts.
Overall, these developments in the digital identity and biometrics industry highlight the growing importance of accountability, privacy protection, and convenience in the use of AI and biometric technologies.
