Latest news with #biometricdata
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
Heading to EU? These are the rules British tourists need to remember
New EU border rules for UK travellers, requiring fingerprint and face scans, will begin on 12 October, with full implementation expected by April 2026. British travellers may also be asked to provide proof of medical insurance, a return ticket, accommodation details, and sufficient funds for their trip. Refusal to provide the required biometric data will result in denied entry into the EU, with checks conducted at dedicated booths and automated kiosks. The EU states these changes aim to strengthen border security and reduce illegal migration, though the UK government has warned of potential waiting times. From 2026, UK travellers will additionally need to apply for a new travel authorisation (ETIAS) to enter the Schengen area, which will involve a fee.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
China Warns Worldcoin-Style Iris Scanning a National Security Threat
China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) is warning of a national security threat posed by the misuse of biometric data, singling out foreign companies that incentivize iris scans with cryptocurrency, in what appears to be a thinly veiled reference to Worldcoin via a post on its official WeChat account. In a post, the MSS described a case in which a foreign firm offered crypto token rewards to scan users' irises around the world. The company later transferred the biometric data abroad, raising concerns about both personal data privacy and national security. While the company wasn't named, the description closely matches Worldcoin, the crypto project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, which exchanges tokens for iris scans in a bid to build a global identity network. The project has already faced regulatory pushback in Germany, France, and Kenya, CoinDesk previously reported, where concerns have been raised over informed consent, data storage, and surveillance potential. Beijing's advisory goes further, citing other cases where stolen facial data has allegedly been used by foreign intelligence services to deepfake identities, allowing spies to infiltrate secure locations. Worldcoin's WLD token is trading for 93 cents, down 4%, according to CoinDesk market data.
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Stronger rules planned for use of biometric data
File pic Photo: 123RF New rules have been introduced to govern how agencies can use people's biometric data, like facial recognition , fingerprints and iris scanning. The biometric privacy processing code will come into force in November, although agencies already using biometric technology will have until August 2026 to comply. Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster said agencies would need to weigh up the effectiveness and appropriateness of their biometrics use, put privacy safeguards in place and let people know when their biometric information was being collected. He said the use of biometric data was increasing in New Zealand but should only be used if it was necessary, effective and proportionate. "Because of its sensitivity - it is the most sensitive personal information - we thought it was timely to create some stronger and clearer rules about the use of biometric technology," he said. "We want New Zealanders to use technology well and in a privacy protective way to get both the benefit of new technology but to do it in a way that ensures that New Zealanders feel that their personal information, that their privacy, is being protected and respected." Businesses using biometric technology would have to comply with the Privacy Act and would be barred from some "particularly intrusive" uses of biometric technologies, like using them to predict people's emotions or infer information like ethnicity or sex, or other information protected under the Human Rights Act, Webster said. He said agencies introducing biometric technology would also need to assess the impact on Māori . "We know from research done before that there are concerns around bias and misidentification with the use of some biometric technologies, facial recognition technologies," he said. The code also set out specific rules for children, he said. "The code itself makes it clear that children need to have special attention paid to them in terms of the collection and stewardship and management of their personal information," he said. Webster said many people would be aware of the Foodstuffs North Island had been trialling facial recognition technology (FRT) in supermarkets . An Office of the Privacy Commissioner inquiry earlier this year found it raised privacy concerns, like the unnecessary or unfair collection of a customer's information, misidentification, technical bias and its ability to be used for surveillance. Webster said the business had taken strong steps to protect privacy and would likely meet the new code, although further improvements might be needed. "I think one of the things that Foodstuffs North Island will have to do is again assess the way it's running the use of FRT," he said. He said the code would not cover the health sector, which would continue to be governed by the health code. It also excluded people's use of entertainment devices or personal health devices like virtual reality headsets or Fitbits. Webster said the commission had prepared detailed guidance for public sector agencies, businesses and organisations. "We've tried to anticipate the sorts of questions that they might have, and written guidance to support them and ensure that if they do decide to use biometric technology, it is governed under the a way that is lawful," he said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Bloomberg
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
EU to Launch New Border-Control System in October After Delays
A new border control system to monitor hundreds of millions of people entering the European Union each year will come into force in October after repeated delays. The rollout of the Entry/Exit System, known as EES, will begin on Oct. 12 on a phased basis, with EU countries expected to implement the system within six months. The new system will record the details of non-EU nationals entering 29 European countries, the EU executive said in a statement on Wednesday, registering their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial imagery.
Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Used AI to create cartoon avatars? You may be risking data theft, deepfakes
Have you uploaded your photo to an AI app to get a cute cartoon version of yourself? You might want to think twice — an authority in Abu Dhabi issued a warning on Monday about serious privacy risks that go beyond the fun. The Department of Government Enablement-Abu Dhabi has alerted the publich of concerns around the growing popularity of AI-powered applications that transform personal photos into cartoon characters or digital avatars, cautioning that many users are unknowingly exposing sensitive biometric data. In a statement posted through X, the authority highlighted that while uploading such images may seem harmless, it can pose serious privacy and security risks, as this data could be misused for commercial exploitation or malicious purposes, including identity theft and fraud. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The department also shared a video addressing the risks associated with these applications. By using just one photo, users have trained AI to recognise and use their face. The video further warned about potential misuses of personal images, including the creation of fake accounts, fraudulent schemes, and deepfake videos emphasising that users are not just sharing a photo but giving away their biometric identity. 3 tips To help users protect their privacy, the Department provided several recommendations: Delete unnecessary apps and photos you previously uploaded on AI apps Limit app permissions, and block full access Share knowledge among your family and friends to raise awareness on the underlying risks Earlier this year, cybersecurity experts raised similar concerns about the viral Ghibli trend that transformed personal photos into Studio Ghibli-inspired avatars. Nicolai Solling, Chief Technology Officer at Help AG, warned that when creating such avatars, users often upload photos that capture detailed facial features, which can include biometric data that is irreplaceable if compromised. 'The use of these avatars introduces significant risks, primarily related to personal data,' Solling had said. He pointed out that uploaded images may contain hidden metadata, such as device details and location, which could inadvertently expose sensitive information about the user's whereabouts. Many AI-driven platforms utilise user-uploaded data to enhance their algorithms, and unless users are paying for the service, their images, including facial data, may be used to train AI models, raising serious concerns about data ownership and privacy. Social media experts also highlighted the surge in user engagement driven by AI-generated avatars, emphasising that while these avatars allow for creativity and self-expression, users must remain vigilant about the potential privacy implications.
