October 5, 2024 at 05:40AM The DPC launched an inquiry into Ryanair’s customer verification process, focusing on the use of biometric data and other personal information for passengers booking through third-party websites. Ryanair’s dispute with OTAs led to a verification process, but the inquiry aims to determine whether this process complies with GDPR obligations. The … Read more
September 3, 2024 at 01:17PM The Dutch Data Protection Authority fined Clearview AI €30.5 million for illegal facial recognition data collection of Dutch citizens. The company’s technology compiles a vast database of faces from public internet sources without consent, prompting privacy and ethical concerns. Clearview AI disputes the fine, claiming lack of EU jurisdiction. Additional … Read more
August 1, 2024 at 03:54PM Meta has agreed to pay a historic $1.4 billion settlement to Texas over the unauthorized use of user biometric data. This marks the largest settlement obtained from a single state and the first under Texas’ “Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier” (CUBI) Act. Texas attorney general emphasizes commitment to holding … Read more
July 31, 2024 at 01:09AM Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has reached a $1.4 billion settlement with the state of Texas over allegations of unlawfully collecting biometric data from millions of users. The lawsuit accused Meta of violating Texas’ biometric privacy law by using facial recognition software without users’ informed consent. … Read more
July 24, 2024 at 04:39AM The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reprimanded Chelmer Valley High School for breaking data protection laws by introducing facial recognition technology for canteen payments without proper assessments and permission. The school failed to consult the data protection officer, parents, and students, and relied on assumed consent. ICO provided recommendations for … Read more
February 26, 2024 at 07:50AM The UK’s data protection watchdog issued an enforcement notice to halt Serco’s use of facial recognition and fingerprint scanning at leisure centers it operates, finding the company unlawfully processed biometric data of over 2,000 employees. The ICO instructed Serco to destroy non-legally required biometric data. The watchdog emphasized the risks … Read more
February 20, 2024 at 12:07AM The Vietnamese government will collect biometric data from citizens for identification purposes starting in July. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed the Ministry of Public Security to collect iris scans, voice samples, and DNA in accordance with amendments to Vietnam’s Law on Citizen Identification. ID cards will include various information … Read more
December 21, 2023 at 09:40AM Namibia’s SIM registration campaign faces challenges as half the population risks losing phone service in 10 days. Citizens handed biometric data to maintain service with the dominant telecommunications provider, MTC. Amid low registration rates, the government initiated a 3-month suspension period starting Jan. 1. Concerns arise over MTC’s collection and … Read more
December 8, 2023 at 11:29AM Kenya has halted the launch of its digital identification system, “Maisha Namba,” due to the lack of data-protection impact assessments. The High Court suspended the system, concerned with privacy rights violations and the unlawful collection of biometric and biographical data. The system is scheduled to be reviewed by the High … Read more
December 1, 2023 at 06:10PM Interpol’s new “Biometric Hub,” collating fingerprint and facial data, aided in capturing a wanted smuggler in Bosnia. While promising improved security, its centralized data poses risks of cyberattacks and privacy breaches, with concerns about the system’s vulnerability to hacking and data leaks highlighted by security experts. Meeting Takeaways: 1. Interpol’s … Read more