FaceTec has launched UR Codes, a new biometric protocol for online identity verification that secures user privacy by storing face biometric data in a digitally signed QR code. This technology supports multiple biometric modalities and enables safe interactions without transferring sensitive PII to third parties. Achieving a FAR of 1 in 2 million, UR Codes seek to address modern challenges in identity verification exacerbated by generative AI, offering both security and low implementation costs while remaining freely available to certain government and non-profit entities.
FaceTec has developed a new biometric protocol called UR Codes aimed at enhancing online identity verification while ensuring user privacy. This protocol stores facial biometric data in a QR code format that is digitally signed, effectively linking the code-holder’s identity data without allowing it to be reverse-engineered into a facial image. The UR Code protocol is compatible with a range of end-user devices and is engineered to perform biometric matching and liveness detection through quick response (QR) coding. A single UR Code can store multiple biometric identities, whether 2D photos or 3D FaceMaps. Utilizing asymmetrical digital signatures, it provides robust validation and anti-tampering protection, ensuring both security and user privacy under a low-cost implementation model. For transactions, the issuing authority encodes the necessary personally identifiable information (PII) alongside account numbers into the UR Code, facilitating secure interactions without exposing this sensitive data to third-party services. The codes can appear in various formats, whether displayed on devices or printed onto official documentation, and they can be conveniently stored in digital wallets and blockchain systems. FaceTec reports high efficacy in its biometric matching functionality, achieving a false acceptance rate (FAR) of 1 in 2 million and a false rejection rate (FRR) of under 1%. The software is expected to be offered separately and integrated into FaceTec’s broader identity verification suite, which is currently installed on approximately 2.6 million devices daily. This innovation seeks to address the emerging complexities introduced by generative AI in online identity verification that typically relies on the submission of selfies and ID documents. The company draws parallels between UR Codes and previous biometric passport technologies to emphasize the need for solutions that enhance identity security while improving usability and reducing costs. Jay Meier, FaceTec’s SVP of North American Operations, highlighted the importance of ensuring that stored data cannot be reused to maintain trust in digital identities, especially in light of evolving digital credentialing standards. Moreover, FaceTec has pledged to offer free encoding for government entities and certain non-profit organizations, thus promoting increased accessibility to enhanced identity verification methods. Demonstrations of both UR Code encoding and verification capabilities have been made available to interested parties.
With the rise of online transactions and identification processes, secure identity verification has become a crucial concern. Traditional methods often involve the uploading of ID documents and selfies, which can lead to privacy issues and security vulnerabilities, especially as generative AI technologies become more prevalent. FaceTec’s UR Code protocol aims to resolve these challenges by eliminating the need for sensitive data transfers to third parties and offering a privacy-preserving option for identity verification that enhances security while reducing costs.
FaceTec’s introduction of UR Codes represents a significant advancement in the field of biometric online identity verification. By utilizing QR encode mechanisms and implementing digital signatures, the technology ensures private and secure transactions, allows for multiple biometric storage, and maintains high accuracy in identification. This new approach is timely given the complexities of modern digital identity verification and highlights a shift towards privacy-centric solutions in biometrics.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
