Subcommittee on Biometrics Sets International Standards Related to Biometrics

Phuket standards meetings a success (PlanetBiometrics.com)

The real meat is in the pdf linked from the article (two pages).

Topics ranged from highly technical to societal aspects of biometrics.

Working group 1 was about vocabulary! I'm a big fan of vocabulary.


h/t @m2sys

New Group Formed to Engage Europeans on ID Technology

The European Association for Biometrics Wants to Drive the Use of Technologies Identifying People (MSNBC)

Nouak deems it insufficient to put biometrics on a level with security. In his view, the prime task of biometrics is to increase the comfort of security systems. "Because I have my biometric features with me at all times, there is no need for me to remember any codes, passwords or PINs and to take along keys or cards", says Nouak. "Biometrics can simplify our lives if privacy remains protected and the application corresponds to the required security level."

The non-profit EAB wants to bring together industry, regulators and user groups. For this purpose, it aims at founding a Europe-wide network, which will also discuss its experiences with representatives from politics and business. Moreover, the organization wants to be an independent contact point for interested parties and promote the training of biometrics experts. Joint training and research activities of EAB members are to be one focus of its work. The EAB will have its first appearance on the European stage at the European Biometrics Symposium in Brussels on February 17, 2012.

We wish the European Association for Biometrics much success.

It strikes me that a regional approach to engaging the public, government and business on the subject of biometrics is appropriate.

Democracies in Africa and Europe are adopting biometrics for better ID management, but they are doing so in response to a completely different set of stimuli and with very different sets of challenges. Within each region, however, the challenges faced by neighboring countries are remarkably similar.

Teaming to Win starts today

The Teaming to Win conference is today and tomorrow in Roanoke, WV. Its purpose is to advance and improve small business prospects in West Virginia, and to facilitate educational opportunities which promote higher business standards, methods and practices.

Your humble diarist will be in attendance tomorrow.

New Aussie gambling system memo leaked

So, what was the point again? (News.com.au)

The Gillard Government is moving to introduce the system of mandatory pre-commitment in clubs and pubs next year as part of its deal with Independent Tasmanian MP Andrew Wilkie to retain his support to remain in government.

Oh, that's right; I remember now.

Earlier posts on the subject:
Australian gaming industry may be catching on
Biometrics shut out of Australian problem gambler program
Most Unfair biometrics article in a long time
More on Australian Politics and Gambling

Australian gaming industry may be catching on

The stakes are raised over gambling limits (The Age - Australia)

One argument from the biggest poker machine beneficiaries, clubs and pubs, was whether the proposed system threatens the worst of all worlds - an expensive system that would scare off recreational gamblers while providing little help to problem gamblers.

It looks like the gaming industry is gearing up to defend itself (and customers) against reckless policies. Better late than never, I guess.

See also:
Biometrics shut out of Australian problem gambler program
Most Unfair biometrics article in a long time
More on Australian Politics and Gambling

Even more on the subject (keep scrolling).

International Biometrics & Identification Association to Focus Efforts on the Growing Issue of Identity Management

Forbes.com

The International Biometrics & Identification Association (IBIA) today announced that it has expanded its mission to focus on the overall issue of determining identity. This new mandate, one which will see biometric and other technologies play an increasingly important role, has been deemed critical by the IBIA, given the rise of authentication issues facing data security, identity theft, immigration and homeland security.

This makes sense. Biometrics are a means to an end. Identity management is the goal.