The FBI hasn’t tested the accuracy of the facial recognition system it is using in its Next-Generation Identification project, but a GAO report states proper testing could solve some problems. Prior to deploying the system, the FBI conducted limited testing to evaluate whether face recognition searches returned matches to persons in the database within a candidate list of 50, but has not assessed how often errors occur.

Prior to the 9/11 terrorist attacks Dr. Nicole Spaun had a background focused on examining the geology of other planets. But after those events she went to the FBI to help train personnel on the art of facial recognition. While automated systems have come a long way employees still need to be trained in facial recognition as well.

Making a payment using a part of your body is no longer science fiction. These are exciting days in the world of biometrics and payments. Visa and MasterCard are both working on specifications that will impact consumers globally.

The Smart Card Alliance has formed an Internet of Things Security Council to develop and promote best practices and provide educational resources on implementing secure IoT architectures; Safety concerns have put Uber under fire in many markets and in an attempt to alleviate that the ride sharing company is going to deploy facial recognition to authenticate drivers; GlobalPlatform and the FIDO Alliance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

ABI Research forecasts the global biometrics market will reach more than $30 billion by 2021; Vision-Box is providing facial recognition technology to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a deployment at three JFK arrival terminals; Infineon Technologies AG in collaboration with Mobile Payment Solutions Co. Ltd. have launched a new NFC security module series designed for fitness trackers and other wearables.

After the 2001 terrorist attacks a lot of wild claims were made about facial recognition technology. The modality might finally be living up to the hype. Microsoft has enabled it for access with Hello for Windows 10 users, MasterCard wants to use it to verify payments and other financial institutions are using it to authenticate customers on mobile devices. Still, it’s use spotting suspects in crowds and protecting airports and borders remains the brass ring for security professionals.

Yet another spoof of mobile biometrics has emerged, calling into question the security of the systems but there are factors these spoofers are leaving out. But don’t panic, just take a deep breath and realize that breaking into these systems isn’t as easy as some would like you to think.

U.S. citizens and some first-time Visa Waiver Program travelers coming into John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York may have their photo automatically checked against the photo stored on their electronic passport.

The Federal Trade Commission approved facial recognition as a way for companies to obtain verified parental consent under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The method was proposed by London-based Riyo Verified, an identity and age verification company creates trust and regulatory compliance online by turning a smartphone or webcam into an ID scanning terminal that matches an ID holder to an identity document.

Atom Bank will deploy biometrics to ease the log-in process in the New Year. The move comes amid broader adoption of biometrics as both a means of identification and security.