Global Scans · Human-Computer Interaction · Weekly Summary

• [New] BizTech Foundation Insight: As digital identities become more central to online and physical access, emerging biometric security systems are setting new standards for reliability and fraud prevention-helping organizations protect users and assets in an increasingly hostile threat landscape. BizTech Foundation
• [New] The Department of Homeland Security is proposing a sweeping expansion of how biometric data is collected and used in immigration cases, a move that could require some U.S. citizens, children, and family sponsors to submit biometric information for the first time. Yahoo News
• [New] TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is rolling out to 65 airports by Spring 2026 - a 433% expansion that will expose millions more travelers to facial recognition technology. Travel Tourister
• [New] OpenAI's human-first social network to compete directly with X will have biometric gating to reduce bots. AI Supremacy
• [New] The big restaurant payment trends for 2026 - like contactless payments, mobile wallets, QR codes, crypto, Buy Now Pay Later options, integrated systems, biometric payments, and AI/ML tech - bring a ton of chances for restaurants to level up their payment game and meet what today's customers expect. OneHubPOS
• [New] In Texas, the Responsible AI Governance Act will prohibit artificial intelligence systems from producing sexually explicit content or child pornography, obtaining biometric data without consent, or manipulating human behaviour to incite or encourage self-harm. Yahoo News
• [New] The biometric landscape in 2026 will be fundamentally shaped by a growing wave of global regulation, primarily emanating from the European Union. HID Global
• [New] In 2026, we expect a movement toward more transparent, resilient, and tightly governed biometric storage models. Aware
• The big payment processors (Visa, Mastercard) are already exploring standards for biometric authorizations in retail, with palm and face biometrics in competition, which could trickle into event tech. Ticket Fairy
• By 2026, account opening will be predominantly digital, utilizing biometric verification including fingerprints and facial recognition, electronic signatures, and instant KYC and AML checks. WeFormOnline
• In 2026, biometric authentication will stop being viewed as an advanced feature and instead become the digital equivalent of a security guard at every door. Aware
• While current BCI systems focus primarily on medical applications, future systems could enable cognitive enhancement, direct brain-to-brain communication, and new forms of human-computer interaction. Programming Helper
• While current BCI systems focus primarily on medical applications, the underlying technology could eventually enable new forms of human-computer interaction that do not require traditional input devices like keyboards or mice. Programming Helper
• The significant trends that will drive the global adoption of facial recognition technologies are the growing reliance on AI to enhance performance, the adoption of multi-biometric authentication, integration with smart buildings, and the use of recognition without delay. Facia.ai
• Tech vendors (Garmin, Apple, specialized apps) are pushing biometric monitoring to predict and mitigate fatigue. Ronin's Grips
• By late spring, 65 airports will feature the biometric lanes, with priority given to cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when international arrivals are expected to spike. VisaHQ
• Digital drivers licences, DBS checks, veteran cards, benefit proofs and child entitlement records could all be accessed digitally through the app on your phone using smartphone facial recognition. The Conversation

Last updated: 22 February 2026