Identity, Security, Payments, Biometrics, Smart Cards and Authentication News

Biometrics a possibility for blocking cab driver phone use

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has begun looking at ways to stop cab drivers from using their mobile phones while on duty due to the danger it puts both the driver and passengers in as well as being an annoyance to many passengers, according to a New York Daily News article.

The early proposal by the TLC calls for a cell phone blocker to be installed in NYC cabs to keep the drivers from being able to send or receive message while in their car. To ensure that this system would be effective, the proposal goes on to stipulate the possibility of installing biometrics such as fingerprint or iris scans to secure cabs ensuring that they are being driven by a known and licensed cab driver.

Read the full story here [end] 

Oracle has released a new version of Oracle Retail Point-of-Service that aims to increase security, operational efficiency and functionality in part by integrating biometrics.

Oracle partnered with DigitalPersonal to add integrated biometrics to the POS package. Users of the software will login using their fingerprint, which will replace the need for PINs or passwords. This feature intends to reduce fraud by eliminating the possibility of unauthorized employees using a manager ID or swipe card to access the POS and approve overrides.

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The upcoming Windows Phone 8 operating system, aka “Apollo,” will contain support for NFC, multicore processors, new screen resolutions, and removable microSD card storage, according to an exclusive video intercepted by PoketNow.

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With many states requiring voter ID cards, and if you’re a student, proof of enrollment, some colleges are offering students free cards that will enable them to vote.

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A new Morpho company under the Safran group has been launched called MorphoTrust USA.

The new company, which was formed after the acquisition of three divisions and the headquarters of former biometrics developer L-1 Identity Solutions, will serve as an identity solutions provider dedicated to the U.S. market only.

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ValidSoft partnered with Opus Research and released a report titled “Voice Biometrics Authentication Best Practices: Overcoming Obstacles to Adoption” that predicts the technology will be deployed in payment authentication assuming the best practices it lays out are followed.

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Nokia is developing a Windows Phone model that can connect to other devices and charge wirelessly via NFC, Nokia design chief Marko Ahtisaari has revealed to the Guardian.

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