A team of researchers from Germany’s CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has partnered with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to create a biometric identity verification tool aimed at improving the distribution of humanitarian aid. This system, named Janus, addresses the challenge of ensuring that aid reaches as many individuals as possible without duplication, particularly in crisis-affected regions.
Janus uses a secure cryptographic protocol to verify if an individual has already registered for aid. Biometric data, such as fingerprints, are captured at registration points and sent to the ICRC headquarters in Geneva. The system then checks whether the person’s data exists in the database and returns a simple “yes” or “no” result. If the individual has not previously registered, their biometric information is temporarily added and then deleted from local devices to maintain data security.
The tool is designed to prevent repeat registrations, ensuring that aid is distributed equitably. Dr. Wouter Lueks, a lead researcher on the project, explained that avoiding duplicate aid distribution is crucial, as providing aid to the same person twice could deprive others of resources. The Janus system offers a secure and efficient alternative to traditional ID methods, which may not be viable in crisis regions.
To safeguard the sensitive biometric data, Janus employs a dual-computer mechanism. Both computers must work together to validate the biometric match, preventing unauthorized access to the data. Even if one computer is compromised, the system’s security remains intact.
In addition to biometric verification, Lueks and his team are developing a token-based aid distribution system that uses smart cards to ensure individuals only collect their aid once per round. This system, initially designed for households, could be adapted for individual use alongside Janus to create a more comprehensive solution for aid distribution.
The ICRC has expressed significant interest in advancing the project, which could become a key tool in humanitarian efforts. Other organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), have already been using biometric technology for several years to ensure fair distribution of food and aid to vulnerable populations.
Source: ID Tech
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October 18, 2024 – by the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
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