Biometrics Institute explores face analysis for age assurance to protect from harmful transactions
Biometric technology has been a cornerstone of identification and verification for decades. Since 2016 the Institute and its members have advocated for the responsible and ethical use of biometrics, discussing how to harness the technology to protect the vulnerable, especially children, from harmful transactions.
During an On the Pulse Conversation, Institute members discussed the latest advancements in face analysis for age assurance. The meeting emphasised the importance of developing privacy-enhancing technology solutions that can determine a person’s age without requiring their identity.
The conversation began with an update on NIST’s Face Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) 1:1 Verification report, presented by Patrick Grother, Testing Lead at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Following this update, member speakers shared their solutions and perspectives on current developments in face analysis for age assurance. These speakers included:
- Anna Convery-Pelletier, CMO, Jumio, UK
- Faouzy Soilihi, COO, Unissey, France
- Fernanda Sottil, Head of Strategy, Incode, USA
- Robin Tombs, CEO, Yoti, UK
“Face analysis technology has the potential to make a significant impact in protecting vulnerable individuals,” said Isabelle Moeller, CEO of the Biometrics Institute. However, it’s essential to approach this with caution, continuously test the technology across age groups and populations, and prioritise privacy and ethical considerations.” This aligns with the third Law of Biometrics, which emphasises technology and understanding the algorithms used, datasets and operating environments to balance risk with user experience and ensure a positive experience for all.”
Participants advocate for industry collaboration
Experts agree that by working together, the industry can develop more effective and ethical solutions that balance the need for privacy with the goal of protecting minors. Additionally, the meeting emphasised the importance of educating the public about the evolving landscape of age assurance technologies and providing clear, independent use case scenarios.
Safeguarding the vulnerable
The Biometrics Institute Congress in London (22-23 October, 2024) will delve deeper into this topic, with a session dedicated to harnessing technology to protect the vulnerable. Experts from Meta, Ofcom, NIST, and others will discuss the latest threats, best practices, and how biometrics can safeguard children.
Key topics to be covered during this Congress session will include:
- Navigating the changing landscape
- The role of biometrics in safeguarding vulnerable populations
- Privacy perspectives on data sharing
- Age assurance technologies such as facial analysis
To learn more about the Biometrics Institute’s commitment to responsible and ethical biometrics and to register for the upcoming Congress, visit the website event listing.
About the Biometrics Institute:
The Biometrics Institute is the independent and impartial international membership organisation for biometric users and other interested parties. It was established in 2001 to promote the responsible and ethical use of biometrics and has offices in London and Sydney.
The member register which represents a global and diverse multi-stakeholder community now lists over 180 membership organisations from 34 countries. It includes banks, airlines, government agencies, biometric experts, privacy experts, suppliers, academics and 14 Observers representing United Nations agencies, IGOs and European Union institutions.
The Biometrics Institute connects the global biometrics community. It shares knowledge with its members and key stakeholders and most importantly, develops good practices and thought leadership for the responsible, ethical and effective use of biometrics.
For more information, please email Marco Lombardi.
