Other Writing

Guyana is taking significant steps to enhance its national ID system, a new biometric electronic ID initiative that seeks to introduce electronic identity cards for both citizens and foreign residents, seamlessly merging identity verification with the nation's growing digital infrastructure and surveillance systems.

The new system by the Guyanese government [1] mandates that all electronic ID cards incorporate biometric elements such as facial recognition and fingerprint information. This...

Pakistan's central bank has implemented new regulations mandating biometric verification for all cash transactions made at counters via mobile wallet services.

[1] The State Bank of Pakistan or SBP has announced that customers will be required to verify their [2] identities primarily through fingerprint scans when making cash deposits or withdrawals at approved retail agents. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance security protocols and combat financial fraud amid the growing...

Hong Kong officials have unveiled a proposal to broaden the city's CCTV network through the SmartView initiative, with plans to deploy up to 7,000 surveillance cameras by 2027.

[1] The SmartView network has expanded significantly since its inception, which saw the installation of 612 cameras by December of the previous year. At that time, law enforcement indicated that these cameras had played a crucial role in solving 97 criminal cases, including serious offenses such as murder and assault....

Uzbekistan has announced the launch of a new digital identity verification for air travel, removing the necessity for physical identification documents on domestic flights while increasing fears of government surveillance.

Uzbekistan is ramping up its efforts to enhance national ID systems with an increase in the use of digitalization. Digital IDs for [1] air travel represent a significant advancement in Uzbekistan's initiative to incorporate digital identity technology into everyday life....

Facial recognition technology has been heralded as a groundbreaking advancement in crime fighting, comparable to the introduction of fingerprints. However, its impending deployment by Police Scotland has sparked concern among activists who warn that it may exacerbate issues related to racial profiling and privacy.

Police Scotland is [1] currently evaluating the implementation of live facial recognition technology or LFR, although it has not yet put it into practice. While the force does employ...

Singapore's Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd. has reached a significant agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo to implement a comprehensive digital identity system known as DRCPass fuelling more privacy fears across Africa.

A new public-private partnership has been established, making [1] Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd the exclusive provider of electronic [2] Know Your Customer or e-KYC services for over 80 million mobile subscribers throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo...

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport has implemented facial recognition technology for US citizens arriving on international flights. With this addition, MSP joins the ranks as the 12th airport or port of entry in the United States to utilize the Enhanced Passenger Processing system.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission or MAC [1] has partnered with US Customs and Border Protection or CBP to roll out a new implementation. The Electronic Passenger Processing or EPP system employs advanced...

Iowa residents can now add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Google Wallet, enhancing the state's digital ID services across leading mobile platforms however privacy concerns remain.

IDEMIA Public Security has teamed up with [1] the Iowa Department of Transportation to introduce a new feature that integrates Google Wallet into Iowa's existing digital ID system, which already supports Apple Wallet and Samsung Wallet. This integration is designed to enhance convenience for Android users,...

The head of China's central bank, has committed to broadening the reach of the digital yuan, reinforcing the nation's ambition for its central bank digital currency.

A Reuters report [1] reveals that China is establishing a global operations centre in Shanghai for its digital currency, the digital yuan or e-CNY. The announcement was made by Pan [2] during the Lujiazui Forum, an influential event that gathers top financial regulators and executives from around the world. Pan articulated China's...

Israel has incurred approximately $12 billion in direct losses as a result of its conflict with Iran, with overall expenses potentially soaring to $20 billion.

Israeli media and economic reports published indicate that the conflict with Iran, which has lasted 12 days, [1] has resulted in direct losses of approximately $12 billion for Israel. This estimate encompasses various expenses, including military expenditures, damage caused by missile strikes, compensation for affected individuals and...

One of the largest supermarket chains in the UK has announced its decision to cease sourcing products and services from Israel, citing concerns over human rights abuses and violations of international law.

The Co-op has announced a [1] decision to prohibit the sale of Israeli products in its stores as part of a broader initiative to promote peace. The supermarket will remove various items, including carrots, from its shelves. This move is part of a commitment to cease sourcing from nations...

The Football Supporters' Association has formally announced its stance against the implementation of facial recognition technology at stadium turnstiles in English football venues.

[1] The Football Supporters' Association or FSA, which advocates for fans throughout England and Wales, [2] has voiced serious concerns regarding the potential implementation of facial recognition technology in stadiums. In a recent statement, the organization [3] highlighted fans' apprehensions about privacy issues...