Liminal members enjoy the exclusive benefit of receiving daily morning briefs directly in their inboxes, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry developments for a significant competitive advantage.
Looking for product or company-specific news? Log in or sign-up to Link for more detailed news and developments.
Week of January 22, 2024
Here are the main industry highlights of this week.
➡ Innovation and New Technology Developments
Cambodia to Launch Comprehensive Digital Identity System for All Residents in July
The law covers registration of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces for citizens and non-citizens, including stateless residents. The government plans to implement the law in July and conducts training for civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) workers.
Czech Republic’s New eDoklady App Hits 70,000 Downloads on Launch Day, Enhancing Digital ID Access
The app allows users to generate digital versions of their national ID card and other identity documents, which will be accepted in government offices and some municipalities. Despite initial network and server issues due to high traffic, the launch has garnered substantial interest, and the government plans to extend the use of digital IDs to private entities next year.
Apple Proposes Opening Tap-and-Go Payment System to Rivals in EU Antitrust Case Settlement
The EU accused Apple in 2022 of abusing its dominant position by limiting access to its mobile payment technology. The proposed changes would allow third-party mobile wallet providers to access the contactless payment function on Apple’s iOS operating system.
➡ Investments and Partnerships
Silverfort Secures $116 Million in Series D Funding to Transform IAM Landscapes
Israeli digital identity and access management provider Silverfort closed a $116 million series D funding round led by U.S.-based Brighton Park Capital. The round brought Silverfort’s total investment funding to $222 million.
Dapple Security Raises $2.3M for Biometric-Based Passwordless Login Solution
The company utilizes biometrics, such as fingerprints or voice, to create a secure “lock and key” for users, allowing them to replace traditional passwords with a single passkey stored in the cloud. The startup, focusing on cybersecurity for small and mid-sized businesses, raised funds from angel investors, Techstars, Access Venture Partners, and First In. Dapple plans to enter beta testing for its passkey solution in the summer, aiming for a commercial launch in the fall.
UK and Japan Sign Cybersecurity Cooperation Memorandum to Fortify Global Digital Resilience
The agreement follows a three-day event hosted by the National Cyber Advisory Board, focusing on global collaboration in cybersecurity. The partnership aims to enhance the relationship between the two nations, building on the Hiroshima Accord commitments to a Global Strategic Partnership.
Root Protocol Raises $10 Million in Seed Funding for Web3 Identity Service, Valued at $100 Million
The funding has valued Root at $100 million and included participation from investors such as Signum Capital, Ankr Network, CMS Holdings, and angel investors Tekin Salimi and Meltem Demirors.
➡ Legal and Regulatory
Texas Man Files $10 Million Suit Against Macy’s and EssilorLuxottica Over Facial Recognition Error
Murphy was falsely accused of armed robbery due to a facial recognition match from low-quality surveillance footage. He was held in jail for nearly two weeks before prosecutors verified he was not present in the state during the robbery.
Google Cloud Abolishes Data Egress Fees, Easing Provider Switching Amid Regulatory Watch
The move aims to simplify cloud pricing and address concerns about anticompetitive practices by eliminating a potential barrier for companies to switch providers.
Shein’s IPO Plans Face Uncertainty Amid China’s Data Probe
As Shein prepares for an IPO in the United States, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) is investigating the fast fashion giant for how it has handled data about its Chinese partners. While the probe is common, China’s Cybersecurity Law is unclear, and severe non-compliance penalties have been catastrophic for businesses.
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Criminalize Nonconsensual Sharing of AI-Generated Intimate Images
Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-N.Y.) has reintroduced the “Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act,” which punishes the nonconsensual distribution of digitally manipulated personal images. The bipartisan legislation comes in response to an event at Westfield High School in New Jersey in which students shared AI-generated nude photographs of female peers without their knowledge.
Microsoft Targeted by Russian ‘Midnight Blizzard’ Cyberattack, Prompting Security Overhaul
On January 12th, Microsoft announced a cyberattack by a Russian state-sponsored actor against its corporate networks. The intrusion happened on a legacy non-production test tenant account via a “password spray attack” and successfully gained access to senior leadership’s emails.
