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.

Emerging Tech

Key Lawmaker: Digital Passport Only Way to Deter Crypto Use for Ransomware Attacks

The House Science subcommittee chairman—a REAL ID enthusiast—is probing the viability of “privacy enhancing technologies” for biometric data such as facial-feature mappings.

Digital Government

GSA to study facial recognition tech with equity in mind

The General Services is planning a study with 2,000 participants to help the agency decide whether to tap facial recognition tech for its Login.gov service.

Digital Government

Login.gov plans to scale up without facial recognition tech – for now

The General Services Administration isn't ruling out using biometrics in its Login.gov service, but the agency has concerns about equity and accessibility.

Emerging Tech

Senators Call for Removal of Facial Recognition Tech in Unemployment Services

The lawmakers asked the Department of Labor to help state unemployment agencies remove facial recognition technology from application forms. 

Digital Government

CBP Revitalizes Biometric Data Collection At Border

Customs and Border Protection jumpstarted a DNA collection program in fall of 2021 to verify family relations, but will not store data it in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmakers Call for End to Government’s Use of Facial Recognition Tech

The request specifically calls out “dangers” in multiple federal agencies operating Clearview AI’s facial recognition technology.