The DHS is inviting public comments on a new initiative to evaluate biometric sensor performance. The initiative, led by OBIM, aims to improve identity verification processes using emerging technologies. Comments are open until June 4, focusing on enhancing biometric systems’ effectiveness and adherence to privacy standards.
In a move aimed at boosting biometric technology evaluation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is actively seeking public feedback on a new initiative focused on the performance of biometric sensors. The initiative, led by the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM), is open for comments until June 4, allowing the public and industry stakeholders to weigh in on the proposed data collection strategies.
This call for comments follows a previous comment period which started on July 25, 2024, where DHS only received a single response. The department stated, “While continuing to improve its biometric services, OBIM has identified a need to understand the performance of new sensors and data emerging from these sensors.” This understanding is fundamental to refining standards and guidance essential in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
OBIM, founded in 2013 from the previous US-VISIT program, oversees a range of identity management services, including the management of the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT). This central repository is crucial for collecting and processing data across various biometric modalities, which includes fingerprints, iris scans, and facial images, effectively supporting national security and identity verification for federal, state, and local agencies.
The recent information collection initiative targets the assessment of emerging biometric technologies, with an emphasis on enhancing OBIM’s existing services. DHS aims to scrutinize how performance metrics of new sensors affect the overall accuracy and reliability within the identity verification processes. “The primary objective of the studies is to compare the performance of biometric sensors,” DHS clarified.
Collaboration is key in this initiative, as OBIM plans to partner with several academic and research organizations, among them the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Various studies will be carried out focusing on different biometric modalities, such as face, fingerprint, and voice, which aim to analyze how these technological innovations affect algorithm performance and quality of image capture.
DHS indicated that these studies would help identify effective biometric collection techniques while also anticipating future advancements. OBIM’s emphasis on gathering quality data from diverse research centers is a crucial part of this strategy. The insights gained will help inform future biometric projects and improve operational performances across different settings.
Emerging technologies being assessed include commercial off-the-shelf devices like contactless fingerprint scanners and facial recognition systems. These innovations promise to streamline the data collection process, significantly reducing hygiene concerns associated with traditional methods while enhancing user experience and efficiency in biometric enrollment.
The initiative aligns with DHS’s overarching mission to leverage technology for improved national security measures. By fostering engagement with both researchers and the public, OBIM aims to keep its biometric systems robust and relevant to evolving demands in public safety and security.
Data gathered during the studies will adhere to established DHS privacy protocols. The Office of Management and Budget has expressed interest in comments that evaluate the necessity of this information collection, assess accuracy, and suggest ways to streamline participant processes, particularly aiming to ease the impact on small businesses.
Anyone interested can submit their comments via the provided DHS portal until the June 4 deadline. This is a unique opportunity for stakeholders to influence the future of biometric technology and its role in national security.
In summary, the DHS is actively seeking public input on its new initiative aimed at evaluating biometric sensor performance. With a focus on public safety and technology advancement, OBIM plans to conduct studies involving various biometric modalities. These assessments are expected to lead to refined standards and enhance the accuracy of identity verification processes. Stakeholders can provide comments until June 4, offering a chance to shape the future of biometric technologies.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
