Emerging Tech

Senators move to ban TSA’s facial recognition screenings

The bipartisan proposal cited concerns about the government’s collection of biometric data.

Emerging Tech

House Dems seek guardrails for law enforcement’s use of facial recognition

The bill would require agencies to obtain a warrant showing probable cause that an individual has committed “a serious violent felony” before facial recognition can be used.

Digital Government

Login.gov to add facial recognition tech

The General Services Administration is changing its digital identity service to allow users to authenticate themselves by matching against a previously submitted government ID.

Digital Government

DHS biometrics management dinged by watchdogs

“Hundreds of millions of individuals' personally identifiable information” is impacted by the privacy weaknesses, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Policy

DHS Unveils Departmentwide Body Camera Policy

The new guidance restricts law enforcement agencies under DHS’s authority from using body-worn cameras “for the sole purpose of recording individuals who are engaged in activity protected by the First Amendment.”

Acquisition

DHS wants software to manage biometrics system requirements

The department is asking for market research on new tools that can help it manage, define and engineer multiple systems requirements across its biometrics identity system.

Emerging Tech

Labor Dept. Watchdog Urges 'Extreme Caution' on Facial Recognition

Since the start of the pandemic and an upswing in fraudulent claims in the jobless aid systems, the use of facial recognition in identity checks has spread across states, raising OIG concerns about access and privacy.

Modernization

IRS Plans to Approve Use of Login-dot-gov as Tax Day Nears

The tax agency intends to add Login this filing season—and as early as next week—as the integration is in final rounds of testing.

Digital Government

DHS's Biometric Rally Reveals Strong Capabilities Reliant on Camera Configuration

Researchers at the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate explained how camera systems’ capacity for varied skin tones can make or break an accurate biometric reading.

Emerging Tech

NTIA Announces Request for Comment on Intersection of Data and Civil Rights

The head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said the agency’s inquiry “will help us analyze the outsized consequences that data practices can have on marginalized communities.”

Emerging Tech

Air Force Wants to Add Facial Recognition to Automated Base Entrance

Scott Air Force Base is looking for verification and identification algorithms for a facial recognition pilot.

Digital Government

TSA Wants to Automate ID Verification at Checkpoint Security

The agency is testing using facial recognition to verify passengers’ information with the information on record.

Digital Government

GSA to study demographic equity in remote identity tech

The agency plans to test the accuracy of tools like facial recognition software across different demographic groups. 

Emerging Tech

GSA to Study Demographic Equity in Remote Identity Tech

The agency plans to test the accuracy of tools like facial recognition software across different demographic groups. 

Emerging Tech

Senate Dems Call on ICE to Halt Facial Recognition and Buying from Data Brokers

Sens. Ed Markey and Ron Wyden are also pressing the immigration enforcement agency to detail their use of surveillance technologies.

Modernization

CBP’s facial recognition program at airports is expanding but concerns remain

The facial recognition program for international arrivals in airports is rolled out in all international airports in the United States.

Digital Government

Audits of CBP’s Facial Recognition Partners ‘Vital to Building Trust,’ Lawmaker Says

The agency has “a ways to go” in auditing facial recognition partners for privacy and security, a watchdog noted.

Policy

Congress wrangles with DHS over biometric system delays and oversight

The Department of Homeland Security says that part of its new biometric system will launch this year, but lawmakers still want an independent analysis of the project.

Digital Government

Amazon Admits to Giving Police Ring Footage Without Owners’ Permission

The smart-doorbell company, which has partnered with more than 2,000 law enforcement agencies, said in a letter that it shared multiple videos with police departments without first seeking user consent.