Latest news with #biometricdata
BreakingNews.ie
12-06-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Public Services Card database of millions of Irish people's faces declared illegal
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has found that the collection of facial (biometric) data for the Public Services Card (PSC) is unlawful. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) said it partially welcomes the findings, but said the decision is "more than a decade late and inadequate". Advertisement The Government had previously claimed that the facial records were not biometric data. On Thursday, the DPC found that the Department of Social Protection (DSP) unlawfully collected facial records (biometric data) from 70 per cent of the population of Ireland over 15 years. In addition, the ICCL said the department failed to tell people why it was collecting their facial records and whether it was legal. In light of the infringements discovered by the DPC, it reprimanded the Department of Social Protection by issuing administrative fines totalling €550,000. It also issued an order to the department requiring it to cease processing of biometric data in connection with SAFE 2 registration within nine months of this decision if the department cannot identify a valid lawful basis. Advertisement Deputy commissioner, Graham Doyle, said: 'It is important to note that none of the findings of infringement identified, nor the corrective powers exercised by the DPC, pertain to the rollout of SAFE 2 registration by the DSP as a matter of principle. "The DPC did not find any evidence of inadequate technical and organisational security measures deployed by the DSP in connection with SAFE 2 registration in the context of this inquiry. "This inquiry was concerned with assessing whether the legislative framework presently in place for SAFE 2 registration complies with the requirements of data protection law and whether the DSP operates SAFE 2 registration in a data protection-compliant manner, and the findings announced today identify a number of deficiencies in this regard.' 'Illegal facial database' The ICCL said the Data Protection Commission failed to take decisive action on Thursday and said that, after 15 years, its actions are not enough. Advertisement The ICCL is insisting on the immediate deletion of the illegal facial data database. It has also called for the department and the DPC to explain to the Oireachtas and the public how this system was permitted to operate unlawfully for so long. Executive Director of ICCL, Joe O'Brien, said: 'For many years, ICCL and our colleagues at Digital Rights Ireland, have argued that the PSC's mandatory use of facial recognition technology is unlawful. 'This is a partial win for the privacy and data protection rights of people living in Ireland. It confirms what we have advocated for, for many years - that the Public Services Card, which was estimated to have cost the State €100 million, trespassed upon human rights and infringed EU and Irish law. 'The DPC decision is over a decade late and does not go far enough. The Department effectively created a de facto national biometric ID system by stealth over 15-plus years without a proper legal foundation. This illegal database of millions of Irish people's biometric data must be deleted.'
RNZ News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
July 4 deadline for voters to enrol for Samoa election
Photo: 123RF Samoans living abroad must complete their full voter registration by 4 July if they wish to vote in the country's upcoming general election. Samoa's Electoral Commissioner, Toleafoa Tuiafelolo John Stanley, said while online registration is still available for overseas voters, completing the process requires a physical return to Samoa to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs. But he said the electoral office was "doing fine" to be ready. "Before the early dissolution of parliament, the voter registration was 48 percent. As we speak, just looking at that system right now, 2pm [10 June] the voter registration is now 60 percent. "The number of voters registered is 70,395." The electoral roll will close on 4 July. People have been turning up in droves to register. "You should see the booths right now - there's heaps of people coming in," Toleafoa said. "Last night, the booths closed at 11. That's when they completed everybody - 11pm. But we were supposed to close at eight. My staff had to work overtime just to make sure everybody was registered." Toleafoa also confirmed that a bill which would have enabled overseas voting was not passed before Parliament dissolved. This means the Electoral Act 2019 remains in force and votes have to be cast in Samoa. "That bill hasn't been discussed by Parliament - so parliament [has] been dissolved and the bill is still hanging there." On Wednesday, 11 June, the commissioner is to release the election timetable which includes the opening and closing dates of nominations and the period for any withdrawal of nominations. The election date itself is 29 August. The Electoral Office submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court seeking an extension for the elections, to allow more preparation time, but this request was denied . The country's political turbulence started in January and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa faced two votes of no confidence, her first on 25 February and her second on 6 March. But last month she conceded defeat after her government's budget was voted down. Parliament was formally dissolved on 3 June.
BreakingNews.ie
04-06-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Tourist ‘ate' passport biometric data and attacked airport offical, court hears
A tourist tore out and devoured the biometric data page of his passport after assaulting a Dublin Airport official verifying his identity, a court was told. Palestinian national Hasan Alshaer, 27, with no stated address, was charged with assaulting a customs official at Terminal 1 and an offence under the Immigration Act for failing to produce a passport or document establishing his identity. Advertisement He appeared at Dublin District Court on Wednesday following his arrest at 5pm on Tuesday. Court Garda Sergeant Niall Murphy told Judge John King that the allegation was Mr Alshaer presented to an immigration control officer. 'He tried to run away from her taking his passport with him; when she chased after him, judge, it is alleged he struck at her, causing her to fall, he tore out a page of the travel document he was carrying and then ate the page with the biometric data on it.' The sergeant contended that the accused was a flight risk and objected to his bail. Advertisement Defence barrister Paddy Flynn said his client had money and could stay in a hotel. Mr Flynn said the accused came to Ireland as a tourist and gardaí had his Palestinian passport. The sergeant countered that the passport was 'no use' because it cannot be verified properly now. The defence said the man had a second Greek passport, but the State contended that compounded his problem because gardaí could not verify who he was. The defence said Mr Alsher had lived in Germany and Greece for five years. Advertisement Judge King said, 'There is a serious problem here. He arrives in this country, sees immigration, runs, and then tears a page out of his passport, and this page has his biometric data on it, it is alleged. That is a huge problem for him'. Mr Flynn said he was instructed that the man had a residential permit. However, the judge suggested a fingerprint check with Interpol could assist but noted that it could take some time. Sergeant Murphy said that would not be resolved that day, and it was unlikely that the State would now accept any documentary evidence provided by the accused. He added that he did not present a visa or any authority to enter the country on top of allegedly destroying the travel document he initially presented to customs officers. Mr Alsher, who has yet to enter a plea, listened to the proceedings with the aid of an interpreter and remained silent during the hearing, He postponed his bail application. Judge King remanded him in custody to appear again on Friday.
Fox News
28-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Biometric iris scanning launches in US cities for digital identity
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, known for creating ChatGPT, has launched World, a project that uses an eye scan to prove you are a real person online. The idea is to help people stand out from bots and AI by creating a digital ID with a quick scan from a device called the Orb. While Altman says this technology keeps humans central as AI advances, it also raises serious concerns about privacy and the security of sensitive biometric data, with critics and regulators questioning how this information will be used and protected. World ID relies on a device called the Orb, a spherical scanner that captures a person's iris pattern to generate a unique IrisCode. It stores the code on a blockchain-based platform, ensuring that users can verify their identity without revealing personal details. Once scanned, individuals receive their World ID, which can be used for authentication across various platforms where the World ID protocol has been integrated, including Reddit, Telegram and Shopify. Additionally, those who sign up are rewarded with WLD cryptocurrency as an incentive. They get the equivalent of $40 worth of tokens, which they can spend, exchange or share with other World ID holders. World ID is currently available in Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Tennessee, Miami and San Francisco, with plans to expand further. The company aims to deploy 7,500 Orb devices across the U.S. by the end of the year, targeting 180 million users. While the technology promises enhanced security, the debate over its privacy implications continues to grow. World ID has ambitious goals, but despite this, the project has faced significant backlash. Many people worry that storing eye scan data in a worldwide database could put their personal information at risk. Adding to the controversy, critics point out the irony of Sam Altman, whose company, OpenAI, contributes to the very AI challenges World ID aims to solve, being at the helm of this project. Governments in Spain, Argentina, Kenya and Hong Kong have either suspended or investigated the project due to concerns over excessive data collection. Furthermore, cybersecurity experts warn that once biometric data is linked to an identity system, it becomes irreversible, raising fears of potential surveillance. World ID helps prove that people online are real humans and not AI bots, something that is on the rise. In this AI-driven world, it can be an essential security measure to ensure the internet is a safer and more trustworthy place. Since the system is integrated with blockchain technology, it can definitely provide secure authentication across multiple platforms. However, the storage of sensitive biometric data in a global database will always raise concerns for many. Do you think the benefits of blockchain-based iris scanning technology outweigh its privacy implications? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The major changes coming to the way Aussies travel to Europe in 2025 - what you need to know
Aussies planning a European vacation this year can expect to see a series of changes into the way they travel. New requirements such as fingerprinting and photographing upon arrival, as well as a new entry fee, are some of the new measures being rolled out across many European countries. Daily Mail Australia has put together a simple guide to help travellers stay informed and avoid any surprises before their next getaway. European Entry and Exit System A brand new European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to be introduced in October this year. The EES will impact all non-European nationals, such as Australians, who are travelling in the Schengen Zone. The Schengen Zone is made up of 29 European countries that have removed internal border rules, which allows for visa-free travel between one another. It includes all 25 European Union member states, and four other countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EES is a digital border, which requires all non-EU travelers to be fingerprinted and photographed before they can enter the country. The biometric data will be used if travellers return within three years. An exact start date for the EES is not yet confirmed. Schengen Area Entry Rules Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, attending cultural or sports events, transit, official visits, medical treatment, short-term studies, or research. To enter, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Aussies should be sure to get their passport stamped upon arrival in their first Schengen country. An unclear or missing stamp could result in fines or detention. In some countries, you may also need to register your stay within three days of arrival. For detailed entry and exit requirements for each Schengen country, check the Smart Traveller website Information on temporary border controls is available on the European Commission website. Note that non-Schengen countries have separate entry rules. You can find up-to-date information by contacting the relevant embassy, high commission, or consulate. When to get a Visa Anyone planning a stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Zone will need a visa. Travellers will need to apply from outside the country, through the embassy, high commission, or consulate of the country where they'll spend the most time, or the first country they will enter from if the stay length is the same. Visa rules apply to Australian passport holders. Dual nationals should check entry requirements for their other nationality. Find foreign embassies and consulates in Australia on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website. Changes coming in 2026 Starting in 2026, all visitors to Europe, including Australians, will need to apply for authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before entering. The ETIAS will cost the equivalent of $12 and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Before entry is granted, travellers will undergo a security screening when visiting any participating European country.
