Israeli government requests information for planned new National Biometric Laboratory

The Government of Israel is planning to establish a National Biometric Laboratory to support government missions by conducting tests of biometric systems, devices, and algorithms. In an initial request for information, biometric technology providers are asked to share views on the most advanced algorithms and devices, as well as details about testing methods and examination systems, with a focus on fingerprint and facial recognition.

The Identity & Biometric Applications Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office’s National Cybersecurity Directorate issued the request, which does not necessarily imply a subsequent engagement or tender, though the document also notes that the unit may seek demonstrations of technologies as part of its information gathering. Companies are invited to provide information about modalities other than fingerprint and face if it is deemed relevant to the national biometric lab concept.

Requested information includes details about the intellectual property and standards or certifications associated with a given technology, as well as about any standards compliance testing, data security tests, and performance according to relevant parameters and tests, including for presentation attacks. Information about previous deployments, privacy protections, and recommended methods of evaluation are also sought.

The deadline for responses is April 29.

The Israeli government’s biometric systems have recently been criticized for being hosted in a commercial data center and for high rates of matching failures of fingerprint checks by border officials and police.

Article Topics

biometric database  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  Israel  |  RFI