MorphoTrust General Counsel to Discuss Legal, Commercial Implications of Facial Recognition Technologies at CES

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Scott Boylan, general counsel of MorphoTrust USA (Safran group), will speak on the legal, commercial and societal implications of facial recognition technologies on January 9 at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. MorphoTrust is the leading U.S. provider of identity solutions to federal, state and local governments.

“At the same time, there are concerns that this technology could be misused. While MorphoTrust’s place is not in those policy debates, we can help inform the conversation. Whatever the opinions are, they should be decided with facts, not rumor or emotion.”

Facial recognition technologies are increasingly showing up in applications of all sorts. Whether used to secure hardware, enhance video games or establish a closer relationship with the consumer, the capabilities and implications of the technology are not always well understood. Boylan’s deep understanding of commercial, privacy and surveillance law makes him an expert who separates fact from fantasy.

“Facial recognition is a powerful tool. It holds great promise for security as well as protecting the privacy of millions,” Boylan said. “At the same time, there are concerns that this technology could be misused. While MorphoTrust’s place is not in those policy debates, we can help inform the conversation. Whatever the opinions are, they should be decided with facts, not rumor or emotion.”

MorphoTrust’s biometric technology is used by the U.S. Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation and several Transportation Security Administration programs. Morpho provides the biometric technology for the Unique Identification Authority of India, which currently has over 200 million enrollments – the largest in the world - and the Indonesia National ID Program, which currently has over 50 million enrollments.

Boylan’s presentation will be part of a panel introduced by Federal Trade Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen. Ohlhausen’s agency has been closely monitoring the emergence of facial recognition technology and recently released a widely read report on the issues surrounding it. The panel will be moderated by Tony Romm, technology reporter for Politico Pro, and includes:

• Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., vice president for policy, director of technology studies, Competitive Enterprise Institute
• Pam Dixon, executive director, World Privacy Forum
• Harley Geiger, senior legislative counsel, Office of Representative Zoe Lofgren
• Berin Szoka, president, TechFreedom

About MorphoTrust™ USA

MorphoTrust™ USA – a Morpho company part of the Safran group – is the leading U.S. provider of identity solutions to federal, state and local governments that simplify, protect and secure the lives of Americans. The company’s offerings help to verify the identity of applicants and deliver the secure credentials that individuals rely on to exercise their civil rights, gain access to benefits and services, and ensure trusted transactions while reducing fraud and enhancing national security. The company delivers solutions for secure ID issuance such as U.S. driver licenses and passports as well as for border management, law enforcement, retail, travel and applicant vetting through document authentication, data verification and biometrics (iris, fingerprints and face). We serve many U.S. federal agencies and businesses, operating in all 50 U.S. states. The company also has a nationwide network of ID service centers, with over 1,200 convenient locations.

MorphoTrust USA Communications Department, 296 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821; www.morphotrust.com