Visa is bringing the power of its network and decades of expertise to achieve compliance and trust with AI-driven commerce. Visa Intelligent Commerce has arrived as a ground-breaking new product to help AI agents source and buy as they are transforming the business. It is a customer support tool which will soon allow the “AI agents to browse, select, purchase and manage on their behalf”, whilst promoting the responsible use of AI within e-commerce, said Visa’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer Jack Forestell.

“These agents will need to be trusted with payments, not only by users, but by banks and sellers as well” in order to be a positive example of AI enhancing the financial sector.

“Just like the shift from physical shopping to online, and from online to mobile, Visa is setting a new standard for a new era of commerce,” said Forestell. “Now, with Visa Intelligent Commerce, AI agents can find, shop and buy for consumers based on their pre-selected preferences. Each consumer sets the limits, and Visa helps manage the rest.”

Ensuring trust for AI commerce, millions of customers will soon be able to rely on AI agents for all types of purchases facilitating frictionless payments.

Visa Intelligent Commerce has been developed from more than 30 years of expertise working with AI and machine learning to manage risk and fraud. Together with AI industry leaders including Anthropic, IBM, Microsoft, Mistral AI, OpenAI, Perplexity, Samsung, Stripe and more, Visa will enable personalized, secure AI commerce on a global scale.

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Sam Altman’s digital ID World project has broken the US as the Trump Administration adopts a positive view of cryptocurrency. Until now, his venture excluded the U.S. under Joe Biden’s Administration who was more reluctant towards embracing it. The project, World, formerly gaining global attention as Worldcoin, was pledged to make America the “crypto capital of the planet”. Altman said he planned to offer the innovation of World to the U.S., which should “lead innovation, not fight it”. 

As entrepreneur of $300 billion OpenAI, he has lent into the hype of AI-powered content and capabilities and wants to centre humans.

World’s technology aims to differentiate humans from machines in an AI-driven future, offering its cryptocurrency in exchange for eye scans to verify human identity. 

The group aims to build approximately 10,000 orbs for the US market within the next 12 months.

The post Sam Altman’s digital ID World project breaks the U.S. first appeared on Identity Week.

A Financial Times journalist has revealed he is the target of a widespread deepfake scam on Facebook and Instagram, raising fresh concerns about Meta’s ability to police fraudulent content on its platforms.

The journalist discovered a manipulated “avatar” — a digital likeness resembling him — being used in advertisements to promote a fake investment group. Despite repeated efforts by both himself and Financial Times colleagues to have the fraudulent material removed, new versions continue to surface.

Initially alerted to the scam on March 11, the journalist found that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, had been profiting from the advertisements promoting the fraudulent scheme. While Meta removed the original ads following complaints, further investigations revealed that the problem was far more extensive than initially thought.

Analysis of Meta’s Ad Library found that at least three different deepfake videos and numerous Photoshopped images had been used across more than 1,700 adverts, reaching over 970,000 users in the EU alone. Experts believe the actual reach could be significantly higher, particularly in the UK.

The scam operated through at least ten fake accounts, with new accounts appearing to replace those banned.

Meta insists it is working to combat fraud, employing AI tools and facial recognition technologies. A Meta spokesperson said it is against their policies to “impersonate public figures” and confirmed the “removal of reported ads and accounts”. Meta cited the persistence and evolving tactics of scammers as a major challenge.

Despite these assurances, the journalist expressed skepticism about Meta’s efforts, questioning why a company with such vast resources cannot prevent known scams from resurfacing. UK government officials pointed to regulations under the Online Safety Act and Meta’s own ad policies that prohibit misleading or deceptive promotions.

The post Deepfake scam targets FT journalist as Meta struggles to tackle fraudulent ads first appeared on Identity Week.

It is crunch time for social media platforms and websites used by young people, as Ofcom has released a wave of online safety regulations which will expand the Online Safety Bill. The ITV drama, Adolescence, recently highlighted that children today have to navigate a complex online environment where they are served harmful and influential content by sophisticated AI algorithms.

It calls for ‘transformational new protections’ that Ofcom announced yesterday, ordering platforms to comply with the critical changes to install age verification systems and adapt algorithms to filter out erosive content by 25 July 2025.

Harmful sites towards children not only include adult sites, but also limitless search browsers, the dark web and social media sites which feed normalised, explicit content that encourages self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders. Tougher action to restrict access by under-18s will be taken by the expansion of the Online Safety regulations. 

If big tech companies fail to take accountability, after repeated warnings changes are coming, this could result in substantial fines or, in extreme cases, court orders to block access to services in the UK.

Whilst preventative measures are the best option for everyone, removing harmful content that already festers on the world wide web is vital. It is not as simple as removing all AI which is now embedded into our lives, but its benefits in data tools and biometrics can be leveraged for this purpose.

The NSPCC welcomed the move as “a pivotal moment for children’s safety online,” while also urging more action to provision encrypted private messaging, which remains difficult to monitor.

Dame Melanie Dawes, Chief Executive of Ofcom, described the introduction of the new Codes as a “gamechanger” and “legally binding”. The codes mandate over 40 practical measures aimed at enhancing “safety first” for children online. 

The new Protection of Children Codes and Guidance protecting children in the UK will now progress through Parliament. 27,000 children and 13,000 parents were involved in a public consultation, providing feedback on the regulation proposal. 

As the leading British biometric verification firm, iProov, has been watching this development closely and is in strong support, with Campbell Cowie, Head of Policy at iProov, commenting that yesterday’s guidance “provides a vital step towards creating safer online spaces for our most vulnerable users”.

“Ofcom’s commitment to ‘highly effective’ measures aligns with our conviction that only certainty, powered by verification and secured by liveness, can truly shield young people in the online realm and direct them to experiences designed for their age”. 

Robust age verification will be enforced that meets the accreditation standards – and that means the “definitive matching of government-issued IDs with biometric data” – preventing authentication that allows anyone to self assert their permissions. 

Ofcom has said big tech giants will have to seriously adjust to the expectations, whilst the reality will mean reconfiguring advanced AI algorithms.

Platforms must also simplify terms of service for younger users, offering opt-outs from potentially unsafe group chats, and ensuring accessible support for children who encounter distressing content. Additionally, they are required to appoint a named individual responsible for children’s safety and conduct annual reviews of child safety risks.

The post Ofcom’s age verification guidelines published first appeared on Identity Week.

With advanced AI systems assisting the global travel sector, the Transportation Security Administration is proposing training for TSA officers to learn the ropes of an internal AI chatbot while also exploring the different use cases in their AI innovation lab. TSA Officers are being educated on AI and other digital processes to fulfil a modernised passenger experience.

Kristin Ruiz, deputy chief information officer at TSA, said they were looking at all the opportunities to leverage the technology with the human resources they have. Despite rigorous testing and rollout of AI capabilities across the airport, DHS staff themselves are warned to be wary of risks associated with generative AI. As regulation articulates AI is a double-edge sword, this can be reflected in cautious investments in AI. Federal News Network reported TSA’s range of active use cases including provisioning an AI innovation lab to explore the benefits of automation, and releasing the “TSA Answer Engine.”

The post TSA embracing AI innovation lab and chatbot first appeared on Identity Week.

The cybersecurity industry has been asked for input on an updated draft to the NIST Privacy Framework. Public consultation has begun until June 13th which will gather final feedback on the content and structure of the framework, making it easier for stakeholders to use.

Organisations will be able to reference it seamlessly with the agency’s Cybersecurity Framework, which received its own update last year to achieve more balanced guidelines on collecting personal data while also protecting individual privacy. The second draft of the NIST Privacy Framework comes five years after the initial guidelines were published, which addresses modern privacy risk management needs and enhances usability. 

The initial public draft broadly intends to outline how organisations can manage current data protection standards in their use of information technology systems, identity management tools collecting personal data. Failure to manage privacy risks effectively can “directly affect individuals and society, potentially damaging organizations’ brands, bottom lines and prospects for growth”, says NIST.

The update to the Privacy Framework is neccessary to create great cohesion with the widely used NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and regulate the prolific use of AI tools such as chatbots associated with many privacy risks. This has contributed to the notable changes in the PFW 1.1’s draft update as well as targeting revisions to the Core section and re-locating the PFW’s use guidelines to the web.

“The two frameworks have the same high-level structure to make them easy to use together” – NIST

Other changes make improvements in response to stakeholder feedback gathered over the past five years through channels such as the NIST Privacy Workforce Public Working Group.

“This is a modest but significant update,” said NIST’s Julie Chua, director of NIST’s Applied Cybersecurity Division. “The PFW can be used on its own to manage privacy risks, but we have also maintained its compatibility with CSF 2.0 so that organizations can use them together to manage the full spectrum of privacy and cybersecurity risks.”

Photo credits: N. Hanacek/NIST

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Vancouver International Airport is forming an alliance with Schiphol Group to harness their subsidiary AI-driven intelligence technology. Aviation Solutions, a vendor arm of Schiphol Group, develops proven AI prediction and digital twin systems which have been shared with other airports and airlines, including KLM airlines, EasyJet, Frankfurt Airport, Delta, Ryanair, TUI and Icelandair. 

Their portfolio boasts the Travor technology – a multi-use case passenger experience platform – Deep Turnaround predictive AI insights, and the Position Assignment System to enhance the passenger experience. 

Vancouver airport plans to partner with Aviation Solutions – by Schiphol Group on the integration of Digital Twin and Aviation Solutions’ Deep Turnaround, which can harness real-time intelligence and AI-driven predictions to enhance “aircraft readiness, reduce delays, and maximize gate utilisation”. 

“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and resiliency of our operations, using digital tools to streamline processes and make smarter, data-driven decisions”, Vancouver Airport announced. 

YVR and Schiphol Group support the principle that critical technologies securing the travel sector should be developed by airports, for airports, and they are committed to sharing “best practices and products to drive adoption across the industry”. 

Leveraging top-tier solutions developed by the aviation ecosystem will allow many airports to be seamlessly connected, providing passengers with a smooth, digital journey without the need to adjust to new or incompatible systems. 

This collaboration will lead to more efficient and streamlined airport operations, benefiting both the industry and travellers alike.

The post Vancouver Airport and Aviation Solutions by Schiphol Group join forces✈️ first appeared on Identity Week.

Forensic technology supplied by Regula will be replacing manual document checks carried out by humans at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. 

Human processes, which are not always tough enough against doctored documents, were found to be time-consuming, prone to errors, and less effective against modern forgery techniques.

Regula’s technology is more dependable to detect document forgeries enabling transnational crime such as human trafficking, smuggling or illegal migration. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic faces growing challenges like anywhere else to eliminate security threats from the travel ecosystem, and in partnership with IOM and the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the Lao immigration authorities has chosen to deploy the Regula 4306 video spectral comparator at the country’s major air hub in Vientiane.

Border officials received specialist training from Regula experts on how to use the devices and verify a wide range of IDs from 251 countries and territories.

Shareen Tuladhar, Chief of Mission, IOM in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic said, “Integrating Regula’s devices into the Lao border management operations is a vital step toward combating serious crimes such as human trafficking and irregular migration”.

With over 40 types of light sources and 18 light filters, the Regula 4306 allows authorities at the second line of border control to examine the most intricate document security features, such as holograms, watermarks, microprinting, and optically variable elements, ensuring a more reliable fraud detection process. 

Integrated with Regula Document Reader SDK, RFS enables comprehensive, automated document checks, eliminating the need for additional equipment or software. Regula Document Reader SDK can instantly recognise and validate IDs’ machine-readable zones (MRZs,) RFID chips, barcodes, and invisible personal information (IPI), significantly reducing manual workload and minimizing human error.

The post Lao airport deploys forensic document fraud solution first appeared on Identity Week.

Bag re-checks are scrapped for connection flights to the United States with a new remote baggage screening initiative endorsed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

Extra security procedures for baggage at multiple legs of a journey can be cumbersome. The ground-breaking process will enhance the efficiency of international travel whilst protecting travel safety. Unless specifically referred to a CBP officer for manual inspection, travellers can avoid long queues as CBP personnel can now view checked baggage x-ray images at the foreign departure airport and review them remotely before the aircraft arrives in the U.S. 

CBP trialled the process with American Airline flights from Sydney International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport and the procedure was expected to be fully operational on April 9, 2025. There are no changes to TSA’s baggage requirements at their participating airports.

“As part of our innovation efforts in air travel, CBP is leveraging technology to enhance baggage inspections to further secure and streamline travel,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Diane J. Sabatino. “The International Remote Baggage Screening initiative is a significant step forward in modernising our processes and providing a secure and seamless experience for international travellers.”

CBP’s Airport Modernisation plans on enhancing security and traveller experience through multi-faceted technology innovation in the CBP Federal Inspection Station.

The post Seamless flight connections without re-checking your bag first appeared on Identity Week.

As Germany’s coalition government forms of CDU, CSU and SPD, party leaders signalled to European partners to witness their ambitious plans and successful politics amid economic uncertainty. The coalition’s goal is to compete with investment, competitiveness and the job market for Germany, creating an integrated digital ecosystem as part of the roadmap. Party leaders convened in Berlin setting out the treaty conditions for tightening migration law and reducing tax burdens for businesses. 

Every citizen will be provided with a mandatory digital identity and a digital citizen account to reduce administrative inefficiencies logging into services. A cornerstone of digitalisation is the introduction of the Deutschland-ID and the EUDI-Wallet, creating access to the administration and utilising extensive use of automation and AI to make the customer “anchor” of the digital economy. 

“Administrative procedures are to become “digital-only” and “application-free,” meaning that citizens will receive services such as child benefits automatically based on available data—without the need for applications”, says Joerg Lenz, Director of Global Marketing and Communications at Namirial Group. 

Strengthening self-sovereignty, the state is interested in developing an interoperable and European-compatible Germany stack integrating AI, cloud services and basic components, ensuring European providers develop corresponding solutions.

The post Germany’s coalition forms, setting treaty goals including digitalisation first appeared on Identity Week.

By ID Talk, the podcast from ID Tech.

In the latest episode of the ID Talk podcast, Montaser Awal, IDnow’s Director of Research, outlined the company’s participation in Europe’s ACHILLES Project, emphasising efforts to develop transparent and ethical artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to address the rising threat of digital fraud, particularly deepfake technology.

Awal explains that ACHILLES, a European consortium of 16 partners, aims to create AI systems that are not only efficient but also fair, unbiased, and privacy-conscious. The ACHILLES Project focuses on optimizing AI training methodologies by prioritizing data quality over data quantity, aiming to produce models that require less energy, provide greater transparency, and reduce biases that are often found in facial verification technologies.

“The main idea behind Achilles is to rethink AI algorithms and methodologies, making them more trustworthy, transparent, and aligned with ethical and legal frameworks,” said Awal. He further emphasised that addressing biases and improving deepfake detection were critical aspects of the consortium’s objectives.

IDnow contributes its expertise by testing AI algorithms developed under ACHILLES in real-world identity verification scenarios, enabling the consortium to refine technologies for practical applications. Awal described IDnow’s broader approach as “fighting fire with fire,” leveraging advanced AI technologies to proactively combat sophisticated fraud attempts that also increasingly rely on AI.

To hear more insights from Montaser Awal on IDnow’s innovative approach to ethical AI, data privacy, and fraud prevention, listen to the full episode of ID Talk via their website, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post IDnow’s Montaser Awal explains ACHILLES mission to combat deepfakes with ethical AI first appeared on Identity Week.

With more “false positive” cyber attacks attributed to inaccuracies of cybersecurity software, Lloyds has patented its own AI advanced algorithm to spot genuine threats. 

The Global Correlation Engine (GCE), developed by Lloyds Banking Group, addresses high quality cybersecurity across many businesses to protect customers. Sometimes vendor solutions can disappoint in being able to detect accurate fraud in real-time. 

The GCE is refined cybersecurity software, designed to identify and alert businesses to potential attacks with precision. This means that alerts are not misidentified as being malicious – known as ‘false positives’. Lloyds is working to boost the AI capabilities in the GCE further, leveraging multiple layers of algorithms.

Since Lloyds Banking implemented the GCE, investigations of false positives have significantly reduced, whilst minimising the risk of missing genuine attacks. 

The solution has been awarded a patent in the UK and US, issued by the Intellectual Property Office for a new methodology, which uses intelligent algorithms to analyse cybersecurity alerts and determine which alerts could be genuine threats. Across the Group, more emphasis can be placed on resources to investigate and tackle genuine cyber threats.

The GCE works by storing and analysing alerts from across different cybersecurity technologies to identify common attributes, trends and potential connections between different alerts. 

By cross-referencing this information against the components and common signs of a cyber-attack, the GCE accurately assesses and identifies cyber threats with a dynamic approach, identifying both immediate and longer-term threats with a high degree of accuracy.

The technology and new patented applications have the potential beyond traditional cyber-attacks to combat e-crime, supply chain fraud, cyber-enabled fraud and more.

Matt Rowe, Chief Security Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Our Global Correlation Engine is an exciting innovation that will allow us to identify genuine threats more quickly and efficiently, ensuring customers are protected. We’re working to develop the Engine further, using artificial intelligence to supercharge its capabilities. This innovation, developed by our world-class cyber experts, demonstrates our commitment to advancing cybersecurity and protecting our customers with cutting-edge technology.”

The post Lloyds Banking Group secures patent for cybersecurity innovation first appeared on Identity Week.

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The decentralised web needs action to establish verification tools for users and crypto services like the traditional web.

A strategic partnership aims to establish trust and accountability across the decentralized web, with Humanity Protocol announcing it will work with Kaito to launch “Yapper Credentials,” a new system for verifiable identity and contributor recognition within the crypto community.

 Web 3.0 is an evolution of the internet’s no bounds, sparking the next generation of digital services and phenomenons like cryptocurrency. 

Humanity Protocol is known for its privacy-first, Proof-of-Humanity blockchain technology and is teaming up with Kaito, an AI-powered Web3 information platform, to provide users with digital credentials to tackle the persistent challenges of establishing real, verifiable identity while preserving user privacy.

Kaito will act as the official verification provider on the Humanity Protocol network using its proprietary algorithm to classify users into three categories: Members of the Crypto Twitter community, rising contributors or general users who sign up and connect their X (Twitter) accounts.

Participants who connect to Humanity Protocol’s testnet will automatically receive Yapper Credentials upon launch. Inner CT and Emerging CT members will also receive bonus allocations in future airdrops—50% and 25% respectively—encouraging broader participation in decentralized identity efforts.

A standout feature of the initiative is its cross-chain interoperability. Yapper Credentials follow decentralized identity standards, enabling users to carry verified status across various blockchain platforms, including DAOs, governance portals, and other decentralized apps.

By providing cryptographic proof of social participation, the system enhances sybil resistance—a key challenge in blockchain environments—while rewarding legitimate community engagement. The goal: a more human-centric and trustworthy internet without sacrificing privacy.

“Yapper Credentials provide a meaningful way to recognize authentic contributions and translate social capital into verifiable, on-chain identity,” said Terence Kwok, Founder of Humanity Protocol. “This is a major step toward a more secure, inclusive, and reputation-aware Web3.”

Yu Hu, Founder of Kaito, echoed the sentiment, saying the collaboration will allow users to “leverage their credentials in multiple applications while preserving privacy and security,” ultimately putting individuals in control of their identity and reputation online.

The partnership represents a growing movement within Web3 to tie decentralized identity to meaningful, verified human activity—paving the way for more trustworthy digital interactions across the blockchain ecosystem.

The post Humanity Protocol and Kaito Partner to launch ‘Yapper Credentials’ for verifiable Web3 identity first appeared on Identity Week.

Story first reported by POLITICO

The European Union is set to scale back its landmark data privacy law, the General Data Protection Regulation, as part of efforts to ease regulatory burdens on businesses. A proposal is expected within weeks, focusing on simplifying compliance, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The move aligns with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s push to enhance European business competitiveness. Recent EU efforts have already targeted sustainability reporting and investment access, with GDPR now next in line.

Introduced in 2018, GDPR is one of the world’s most stringent data privacy laws, requiring companies operating in Europe to manage user data with strict transparency and accountability. While it set a global standard, critics argue its complexity stifles innovation and growth.

Danish Digital Minister Caroline Stage Olsen stressed the need for a balanced approach, stating, “Privacy is necessary, but we don’t need to regulate in a stupid way.”

A review last summer highlighted challenges for SMEs, with Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath noting the need for greater support. Proposed changes may include reducing documentation requirements and reforming data protection impact assessments—both seen as overly burdensome for smaller businesses.

However, revising GDPR is expected to spark intense lobbying from both Big Tech and privacy advocates. The law was among the EU’s most heavily lobbied regulations, with over 3,000 amendments proposed during its drafting. Some privacy groups warn that reopening GDPR could weaken vital protections.

Despite concerns, core GDPR principles are expected to remain intact, as data protection is enshrined in the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. Privacy activist Max Schrems argued fundamental protections cannot easily be removed, stating, “A Court of Justice would annul a GDPR that doesn’t have these core elements.”

The Commission’s proposal is expected by June, with discussions likely continuing into 2025, when Denmark assumes the EU Council presidency.

The post EU eases GDPR burdens on businesses first appeared on Identity Week.

Inclusion can be a “precondition of obtaining ID and access to lots of services”, said Christina Hirsch.

Inclusion is an important part of women’s lives and career journeys. Inclusion means everyone can have access to services and trust those services work for the customer. Regarding recent failures in the trust of the internet, distribution of harmful content and AI algorithms, this precedent of trust has never been so important.

Digital products that offer the best customer experience all-round are engineered by talented people from different backgrounds and fields, and it’s safe to say, large-scale initiatives such as eIDAS and the AI Act harness all expertise to innovate how we consume these highly-diffused technologies within our society.

Christina Hirsch, EVP Digital Trust Business at Swisscom took part in our Transformative Women series of interviews. We spoke last month in anticipation of a panel at Identity Week Europe, 17-18 June, which will present women’s takes on achieving equilibrium in our workforce, workplace policies i.e. flexibility, the output of technologies and opportunities to experience the sector through education.

Attend the Transformative Women industry panel on 18 June, with these speakers:

• Claire Maslen, Advisor, Mobile Ecosystem Forum
• Kay Chopard, Executive Director, Kantara Initiative, Inc
• Viky Manaila, President, Cloud Signature Consortium

The post Inclusion a “precondition of obtaining ID and access to lots of services”, said Christina Hirsch first appeared on Identity Week.

Deepseek, hailed as a disruptor AI model by its creators, has now received some criticism for welcoming public access to its databases and control over its operations, including with the ability to assess internal data. The data exposed includes chat history, backend data and secret keys.

The AI model, which undercut costs to create competitor technologies, suffers from critical security issues which can put users at risk, according to data from Wiz and SecurityScorecard. Wiz discovered two open ports in the ClickHouse database without authentication in place to protect sensitive logs, chat messages and passwords. This exposes the rapid growth of AI services globally whilst compromising on security. The inherent cyber risks of AI applications can directly link to underdeveloped infrastructure and tools. AI innovation for many countries is focused on increasing competitive AI hubs with more start-ups, however, customer data must always remain a priority. 

Emma Zaballos, Security Researcher at CyCognito says DeepSeek AI has a “dangerous combination of exposed databases, weak encryption, AI jailbreak susceptibility, and SQL injection risks”. According to SecurityScorecard, DeepSeek-R1 failed 91% of security tests for AI jailbreak attempts and 86% for prompt injection attacks, indicating that adversaries can easily manipulate responses.

DeepSeek’s infrastructure is accused of transmitting a broad scope of data to Chinese entities. 

The post Deepseek AI R1 raises concerns over security vulnerabilities first appeared on Identity Week.

Americans have expressed concern about their data falling into the wrong hands of scammers, allowing them to orchestrate false tax affairs. Identity theft can enable fraudsters to apply for their financial assets in refunds from a tax return. The scenario relates to almost two-thirds of Americans (64%), a survey by Allstate Identity Protection reveals. The company affords their customers identity protections however the majority of people may be overlooking how they can safeguard their own data to take back control over fraud.

When it comes to a tax return request, fraudsters are pocketing the money first to the horror of genuine Americans. Personal information can be stolen for example a social security number that can be misused in many contexts. 40% of cases where Allstate restored identity protection were reported during the tax season.

Tax season is particularly susceptible to fraud, as well as across sectors like insurance, loans or government; vendors are developing holistic solutions for all verticals which are frequently affected by fraud. With refunds on the line, companies can “help people take control before fraud happens” and prevent years of delays for reimbursements, said Caroline Slane, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Allstate Identity Protection.

Two-thirds (66%) of Americans say they would pay for identity monitoring services to protect their tax refund from fraud. Installing identity protection technology also saves face for tax companies saving up to $1 million in pay-outs to reimburse customers.

Growing concern around tax fraud is higher than previous years from 445 of customers and with one in five Americans admitting they worry about falling victim this year due to a rise in AI fraud and IRS delays and staffing shortages.

Despite this, one in three Americans (33%) admit they have done nothing to protect themselves from tax-related identity theft.

“The best way to stay safe is to file early, use an IRS Identity Protection PIN and stay alert. Taking proactive steps now can safeguard your personal information and ensure your tax refund stays in the right hands,” Slane said.

The post Americans express concern about their personal data in tax fraud first appeared on Identity Week.

Aviation stakeholders joined government representatives worldwide in mapping the adoption of digital identity, which is widely accepted to bring benefits to aviation security. Travel still depends on its main asset for security with the passport and the digital scanning capabilities that biometric technology can enable. The Digital Travel Credential has been set aside for decades into the future by many experts, whilst the present emphasis is on strengthening harmonious integrity of the passport to reduce fraud and unauthorised access.​

Biometrics have consolidated smooth document verification that verify passengers and enhance their experience of travelling through airports. The security leaders in identifying the core technologies that will deliver innovation, set out to ensure global cooperation keeps “flying secure”. 

“Adopting Verifiable Credentials and Decentralized Identifiers standards is a natural next step in reinforcing security, trust, and efficiency”, says Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security.

Security “crosses geopolitical divides” hence the importance of meeting at the upcoming  ICAO assembly later this year to obtain a recommendation, he continues. 

“The technology is ready and proven. We now need to take the momentum of this meeting and work towards obtaining a recommendation at the upcoming ICAO assembly later this year,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security.

Aviation security leaders at Sydney Leaders Week Conference also had key actions to strengthen governments’ regulatory oversight of security frameworks that incorporate  Verifiable Credential and DID technologies.

IATA’s One ID initiative supports globally interoperable digital identity standards, enabling passengers to verify their travel documents before departure and move through the airport using biometric recognition instead of physical documents.

The post Aviation security leaders drive interoperable digital ID standards first appeared on Identity Week.

Cybersecurity is a fascinating industry which needs to inspire the next generation to embark on fulfilling careers. With a male majority in the workforce, there is still a way to go to diversify people in the sector from different backgrounds.

The support for this aim has been led by tech giant IBM to encourage skills and development which builds the future digital economic growth, whilst the government is equally resourceful on how it plans to safeguard online services. 

IBM has partnered with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, and the National Cyber Security Centre to provide the online platform for the CyberFirst Girls competition, open to girls between the ages of 12 and 13 in the UK. 

The cybersecurity programme is available for schools nationwide to allow students to participate in a series of cyber challenges from cryptography to artificial intelligence, which is affecting the world around them everyday. 

Some of the challenges of diversifying the sector were restated by Shruti Kulkarni, Information Security Architect, at Elexon who participated in our Transformative Women interviews. 

Women currently account for just 17% of the cybersecurity workforce and it is partly the responsibility of the sector to offer a balanced and interesting environment, and individuals themselves.

Minister for Cyber Security Feryal Clark recently spoke out on the “need to build a diverse workforce which is reflective of every community in the country” to tackle online threats.

The post IBM backs more diversity in cyber sector, plus listen to insights from Shruti Kulkarni at Elexon first appeared on Identity Week.