The impact of the coronavirus goes well beyond healthcare and canceled industry events. The New York Post is reporting that the New York Police Department has ditched fingerprint security procedures at NYPD Headquarters at One Police Plaza in Manhattan.
The decision was made by the NYPD security unit in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Before the edict, officers needed to scan their ID badge and their fingerprint to gain access to the building, but forcing officers to make physical contact with (and share) a limited number of scanners was not in keeping with sanitary best practices as the outbreak continues to accelerate. As it stands, New York already has 46 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
For the time being, the NYPD will station officers at all points of entry to carry out manual checks of people’s photo IDs. The precaution will ensure a high level of security while the fingerprint scanners are out of commission, though a police spokesperson indicated that the department might explore other options if the fingerprint scanners need to be taken offline for an extended period of time.
This is not the full image. Click on it to go to the original article — Anthony Sansone Jr., from St. Louis, gets instructions from Breanna Evans on the new scanners at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. The new scanners from the Clear company scan either a person’s fingers or iris to make a positive identification. Airport travelers have to sign up for the service that will let them avoid showing any other identification. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
The new CLEAR biometric system, which identifies people via fingerprints and the iris of their eyes, is available to passengers who pay up to $179 a year for the privilege. Those using it get through security lines a bit faster.
Editors Note: CLEAR works with Olea Kiosks on these kiosks.
Vancouver International Airport will be first in Canada to use NEXUS facial recognition kiosk technology.
Innovative Travel Solutions announced today that their biometric kiosks have been configured to meet the requirements of the NEXUS program, a joint Canada Border Service Agency’s (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) operated Trusted Travellers program.
BorderXpress NEXUS features ‘tap-and-go’ technology and utilizes state-of-the-art facial recognition software to verify members’ identity, replacing the old iris recognition technology.
Chris Gilliland is the Director of Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS), the innovation team at Vancouver International Airport who developed the BorderXpress technology.
Here is a link for how to use the Vancouver Facial Recognition kiosks. They are the first to deploy.
YVR’s Innovative Travel Solutions develops next generation biometric solution for Canadian trusted traveller program
ITS helps the Canada Border Services Agency modernize the NEXUS program
Richmond, B.C. October 30, 2019: Today, Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS) by Vancouver International Airport announced that their proprietary line of self-service, biometric-enabled kiosks, BorderXpress, has been configured to meet the requirements of the Canada Border Service Agency’s (CBSA) modernized NEXUS program. BorderXpress NEXUS features ‘tap-and-go’ RFID technology and utilizes state-of-the-art facial recognition software to verify members’ identity, replacing the old iris recognition technology.
“This is another big first for us—being the first Canadian airport to offer NEXUS members an enhanced and more seamless border clearance process. I know our frequent travellers that utilize NEXUS will be pleased with this modernized solution,” says Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “We are grateful for the collaborative relationship we have with our partners at the Canada Border Service Agency and to be once again chosen as the trusted partner for the first solution and rollout. We look forward to continuing to work together on the next phase to create a complete seamless journey for all NEXUS members.”
NEXUS is a joint CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) operated Trusted Traveller program designed to speed up border crossings for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the U.S. YVR introduced 11 next generation NEXUS kiosks in October 2019, dedicated to facilitating the trusted traveller program. Using the new kiosks, NEXUS members will tap or scan their NEXUS card and capture a photo to verify their identity using facial recognition technology before proceeding to a CBSA officer for final inspection. If you have something to declare you must do so verbally, to an officer, at a clearly marked area in the customs hall after using the kiosk.
As part of the CBSA’s objective to modernize the NEXUS program, this is intended to better serve NEXUS members travelling by air as facial biometric verification provides travellers with a simplified method of being identified. This initiative aligns the NEXUS program with international trends on traveller processing and supports the CBSA’s goal to increase efficiencies without compromising security. For more information on this initiative, including instructions on how to use the new NEXUS facial verification kiosks, please visit the NEXUS Air webpage.
ITS has also sold its BorderXpress NEXUS solution to Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, with deployments scheduled later this year.
BorderXpress technology was developed by ITS, an independent business unit within Vancouver International Airport (YVR), named Best Airport in North America for 10 consecutive years. ITS specializes in delivering industry-leading travel technology to transform the traveller’s experience. Since 2009, ITS has sold over 1,600 kiosks at 43 airport and seaport locations around the world, helping more than 250 million passengers clear the border safely and securely.
Excerpt: It’s called “biometrics”—a type of artificial intelligence that maps the features of the face with such accuracy, it not only can identify that person but detect their sexual orientation and, in the most advanced versions, even gauge their emotional state. Casinos in Macau and elsewhere are now testing the technology as a way to identify card cheats, problem gamblers and more. Does this go beyond surveillance to spying?
Last month, Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) acknowledged that “two to three” gaming operators in the world’s top casino market are testing facial recognition technologies, presumably to identify and eject criminals, card cheats, compulsive gamblers, underage players, dishonest employees and others whose presence in a gaming hall may be unwelcome.
DICJ head Paulo Martins Chan made soothing sounds about “strictly adhering” to privacy rules, but that may not ring true in Macau, which takes its orders from Beijing, or in the market’s billion-dollar casinos, where corporate concerns have sometimes overruled privacy concerns.
Besides, in an era where cameras are always looming, is privacy becoming obsolete? These issues are at the heart of a new report, published in June in the UNLV Gaming Law Review.
The report, And the Eye in the Sky is Watching Us All: Privacy Concerns of Emerging Technological Advances in Casino Player Tracking, looks at innovations in video surveillance, biometrics and other technologies— gesture recognition, too—that author Stacy Norris said have reached “an almost Orwellian level of intrusiveness.
New York Mets fans attending games at the team’s Citi Field home field can now purchase snacks and beverages at a self-checkout kiosk that uses a biometrics-based identity verification system to process payments — and check that buyers of alcoholic drinks are of legal drinking age.
The Mets have teamed up with food and beverage provider Aramark, biometric identity verification provider Clear and self-checkout kiosk provider Mashgin on the project.
Editors Note: News post published by Hertz 12/11/18
Hertz and CLEAR Partner to Reimagine the Car Rental Experience
Travelers Can Now Get on the Road Faster Than Ever Before by Using their Face or Fingers at the Exit Gate
NEW YORK and ESTERO, Fla., Dec. 11, 2018 – Hertz and CLEAR today announced the launch of Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR – a new service that uses biometrics to drastically speed up the car rental process and get travelers through the exit gate and on the road in 30 seconds or less – a time savings of at least 75 percent.
With CLEAR, members enroll once to enjoy frictionless experiences with greater predictability at more than 40 airports and venues nationwide. Now, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty members who sign up for CLEAR and link their accounts will be able to verify their identity and rental reservation with just a look or tap of their finger. Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR marks the first use of biometrics by a major rental car company, and the first time CLEAR’s trusted identity platform is enabling members to verify their identity using their face instead of showing a physical ID.
The first Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR is now available at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), offering renters unmatched speed and security so they can enjoy more time doing what they love. Throughout 2019, Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR will be rolled out to more than 40 additional Hertz locations, including some of the busiest U.S. airports such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), among others.
“We’re excited to introduce Hertz Fast Lane Powered by CLEAR to get Hertz customers through the exit gate without the wait and on the road faster,” said Hertz CEO Kathryn V. Marinello. “By teaming with CLEAR, Hertz gets a partner with an expanding footprint and proven track record to help us innovate the car rental process, improve the customer experience and bring meaningful benefits to busy travelers.”
Marinello added, “This new innovation demonstrates our focus on enhancing the entire customer experience. In the last two years, we’ve upgraded our fleet with the cars people want to drive, launched our Ultimate Choice® model in the U.S. enabling customers to choose their preferred vehicle with no wait, and improved site operations to deliver great service consistently.”
The new offering further demonstrates Hertz’s and CLEAR’s deep commitment to investing in technology and services that enhance their members’ experience – and sets a new standard for frictionless travel.
“CLEAR believes that you are you, and we’re creating a future in which your fingerprints, eyes and face are your best and most secure ID,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. “When our members travel, they enjoy greater speed and predictability at airports and sporting events, so they can focus more time doing what they love. Thanks to our new partnership with Hertz, they’ll spend less time at the exit gate and more time enjoying their destination.”
Use of Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR is a new benefit for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® program members, and membership in CLEAR is available at no additional cost when used in connection with this program. Members interested in upgrading their CLEAR membership to include airport security access, will receive preferred pricing based on their Hertz loyalty status. Travelers interested in learning more about the Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR, or in becoming a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® member, can visit www.hertz.com/clear.
About Hertz The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., operates the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly vehicle rental brands in approximately 10,200 corporate and franchisee locations throughout North America, Europe, The Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The Hertz Corporation is one of the largest worldwide rental companies, and the Hertz brand is one of the most recognized in the world. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Ultimate Choice, Carfirmations, Mobile Wi-Fi and unique vehicles offered through the Adrenaline, Dream, Green and Prestige Collections set Hertz apart from the competition. Additionally, The Hertz Corporation owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen, operates the Hertz 24/7 car sharing business in international markets, and sells vehicles through Hertz Car Sales. For more information about The Hertz Corporation, visit: https://www.hertz.com.
About CLEAR CLEAR is transforming the way people live, work and travel. Today, CLEAR is powering a frictionless security experience in 40 U.S. airports and sports venues. When you are you, instead of something in your pocket, life is more frictionless, more secure and more predictable. CLEAR is trusted by millions of members and is certified as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. After enrolling at any CLEAR location, members can begin using CLEAR Lanes immediately (https://www.clearme.com/where-we-are). For more information on CLEAR, visit http://www.clearme.com.
Craig is a senior staff writer for Kiosk Industry Group Association. He has 25 years of experience in the industry. He contributed to this article.
Biometric Kiosks Come to Car Rental Check-In and Check-Out Using Facial Recognition was last modified: December 17th, 2018 by News Editor
FNB has launched a new kiosk that allows you to open an account with only your thumbprints as verification.
The bank has formed a partnership with the department of home affairs, and uses government records to verify your identity.
“The machines are directly linked to Home Affairs and because they use fingerprint technology on their side, we are able to quickly verify who you are,” says Lee-Anne van Zyl, CEO of FNB Points of Presence.
The TouchPoint kiosk allows people to open an eWallet Extra account with their thumbprints. Existing FNB customers can also do all their general banking, except withdraw money.
Biometric Financial Kiosk – New FNB kiosk with fingerprint technology. Here’s how it works was last modified: August 3rd, 2018 by Kiosk Industry
That’s a belief driving the startup Bite, which creates facial recognition kiosks for quick service restaurants (QSRs). Using a combination of iPads, proprietary software and machine learning, Bite’s tablet kiosks can recognize your face to unlock loyalty programs, bring up food preferences and provide opportunities for restaurants to upsell.
Jack in the Box CEO, Leonard Comma, made news this week when he said “it just made sense” for his fast-food chain to consider switching from human cashiers to machines. To be sure, there are big societal implications if every restaurant made such a shift, but what if automated kiosks provide a better customer experience?
Bite Says Face-Recognizing Kiosks Improve Customer Experience was last modified: January 15th, 2018 by Kiosk Industry
TechCrunch reports that KFC China is going to try facial recognition technology. Couple that with demographic and historical data and you can begin to approach smart ordering.
Baidu is demonstrating some of its most recent tech advancements in novel ways, including a partnership with KFC China (yes, the fried chicken KFC). The search giant sometimes referred to as the ‘Google of China’ partnered with KFC to open a new “smart restaurant” in Beijing, which employs facial recognition to make recommendations about what customers might order, based on factors like their age, gender and facial expression.
Fast Food & Biometric – KFC China Goes Facial Recog on us was last modified: January 4th, 2017 by News Editor
Would you expect to find a solution based on biometric technology that provides employees with fast and highly secure access to personal data in SAP in a vast and sparsely populated country like Namibia? Although I have been visiting this beautiful desert country privately for more than 20 years and have seen great achievements and
Success story for biometric kiosks for employees. Fujitsu and SAP make it happen in Namibia
Olthaver & List is Namibia’s largest privately held Group of Companies outside of the mining sector and employs over 5,500 people in various sectors including food production, beverages, retail trade, property leasing, marine engineering, steelworks and hospitality. “Due to
the diversity of our portfolio, our people work in numerous locations and many of them, in subsidiaries, where not everyone has his own PC. Just one example is our Pick n Pay supermarkets, which are spread across the entire country”, says Rainer Rusch, “however, quick and secure access to personal data is important, but cannot be guaranteed via the traditional postal route.” To provide everyone with constant transparency – even in remote locations – Olthaver & List decided to implement employee self-service kiosks in 2013 and has steadily added users. With the bioLock solution from real-time and fingerprint scans employees can be sure that their personal data is always available for them – and really only for themselves and not for a colleague who may have spotted a password or got hold of a smart card.
“The solution is just great. For example, the former paper-based vacation request procedure, which was highly labor-intensive and often defective, has been replaced by a secure real-time electronic process. This simplifies procedures, saves costs, improves transparency and last but not least contributes to our employee’s satisfaction as holiday approval notes are immediately forwarded to their mobile phones. But nonetheless, I am always looking for improvement,” says Rainer, who describes himself in his LinkedIn profile as someone who is interested to experiment and learn new technologies.
Biometric security beyond the dunes was last modified: April 20th, 2016 by Kiosk Industry
The passport control technology has been developed by Innovative Travel Solutions and is available at 24 international airports including, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The technology also provides service in 26 different languages.Vancouver International Airport has introduced its BorderXpress automated passport kiosk solution at Oakland International Airport.
Really like their designs. Vancouver has done a great job. The passport control technology has been developed by Innovative Travel Solutions and is available at 24 international airports including, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The technology also provides service in 26 different languages.
Vancouver Airport installs BorderXpress Kiosks at Oakland was last modified: March 20th, 2016 by Kiosk Industry
BIOMETRIC SCANNERS – THE FUTURE OF KIOSK SECURITY IS NOW!
Biometric security is on a rapid growth curve, and the market for biometric scanning devices is expected to reach $13.8 billion in 2015>[1]. Traditionally, biometric security methods have been employed by government agencies, but with the use of biometric security in consumer devices, such as smart phones and laptop computers, the consumer sector is starting to see rapid growth in the deployment of biometrics.
One measure of the consumer usage of biometrics is through the download of biometric-enabled mobile applications. Juniper Research estimates that the download of biometric authentication applications will grow quickly over the next five years from the current level of 6 million downloads predicted for 2015 to an estimated 770 million biometric application downloads in 2019. This is largely driven by Apple’s Touch ID authentication system which is at the forefront of the consumer biometric expansion.
Similarly, the number of users of biometric security devices is expected to grow to 2.5 billion users with 4.8 billion devices by 2020. It is predicted that within the next three years, biometrics will become standard on smartphones and other mobile devices.
The Growth of Biometrics in Kiosks
While biometric security measures have been available for some time, they have largely been utilized in the government space, but as consumers continue to build comfort with these devices, they will become a common element in self-service applications, such as retail kiosks and healthcare kiosks.
Biometric devices offer two distinct advantages over traditional knowledge-based (e.g. passwords) and credential-based (e.g. ID cards) security systems:
Accuracy of Identification – Because biometrics analyze the distinctive and measurable characteristics of an individual, they are much more accurate than a knowledge-based or credential-based security model, both of which are susceptible to security breaches.
Convenience – Similarly, because biometrics analyze the personal attributes of a human, such as an iris scan or a fingerprint scan, there is no issue with an individual forgetting their password or credential. Additionally, most biometric scans are very fast, so access is typically granted quickly and conveniently.
In addition, biometric security solutions are scalable in that there are different types of scanning measures available to provide different levels of accuracy and security. The most basic biometric scans use a “unimodal” or measurement of a single biometric attribute, such as a fingerprint scan. Multimodal scans provide a heightened degree of security by either measuring multiple physical attributes (e.g. scan both a fingerprint and an iris) or utilize multiple scans of the same physical attribute (e.g. 3-D palm scan that measures multiple attributes of a palm print).
With dozens of different types of biometric security measures now readily available, and an increased level of consumer comfort with these security methods, it is expected that these will become a standard component on self-service machines in the near future. A quick fingerprint scan on a patient check-in kiosk in a doctor’s office will provide customers with an efficient and highly secure method of confirming their identity. Similarly, as more retail kiosks are outfitted with ubiquitous mobile payment systems, such as Apple Pay, the use of a quick fingerprint scan to access a user account will provide a level of security and convenience never before seen.
Contact Olea Kiosks today to find out how Olea’s biometric security technology can be implemented to provide a cutting edge self-service kiosk solution for your business.
