Highlights From SIA’s Identity & Biometrics Kickoff Virtual Luncheon With DHS-CBP

On Feb. 24, the Security Industry Association‘s (SIA’s) newly created Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board (IBTAB) hosted a kickoff virtual luncheon with industry leaders specializing in producing biometrics and digital identification solutions. The event featured remarks from Diane J. Sabatino, deputy executive assistant commissioner, Office of Field Operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

During her presentation, Sabatino highlighted CBP’s biometrics efforts as the Biden administration begins to take shape and the agency’s vision, insight, and plans to use identity and biometric solutions to protect our nation. She shared CBP’s strategic vision on how it intends to strengthen its land, sea and air ports of entry by expanding its biometric infrastructure pursuant to DHS’ statutory requirement to confirm travelers through biometric means.

Of note, Ms. Sabatino announced the launch of a mobile application, CBP One, which offers travelers and stakeholders mobile services to streamline entry and exit from the United States. CBP One provides travelers an opportunity to streamline U.S. travel by providing information prior to or upon arrival or departure in a seamless, contactless manner. 

Additionally, Sabatino underscored the importance of CBP facilitating travelers in a COVID-19 environment by leveraging contactless biometrics solutions to confirm traveler identity. She emphasized how industry will continue to play a vital role in providing solutions to mitigate the spread of germs and harmful pathogens through various private-public partnerships with CBP.

Founded in January 2021, the SIA IBTAB provides technical expertise to encourage informed buying decisions in technologies that include facial recognition systems, identity proofing and verification solutions, biometric devices and mobile identification platforms. The IBTAB guides the development of several initiatives, including a series of virtual networking roundtables with government officials and periodic SIA-led official meetings with policymakers and key agency procurement officials, and provides input into educational content developed by SIA, such as identity management tracks and sessions at SIA events and SIA’s Security Megatrends, and SIA standards activities. Learn more about the SIA IBTAB here.