Biometrics firm IDEMIA has teamed with Samsung to bring mobile IDs to Iowa.

The collaboration, announced in a news release Monday (July 22), allows Iowa residents to store their mobile ID in their Samsung Wallet.

Residents can now use the mobile ID to confirm their identity using their mobile phone at TSA checkpoints at the Des Moines and Eastern Iowa airports, along with 25 other participating airports in the country and other participating businesses.

“The launch of Iowa mobile ID in the Samsung Wallet brings an elevated convenience and security for Iowans with Samsung smartphones for airport security screening, age-restricted products, and other identity checks,” the release said. “Iowans can easily access their mobile ID in the Samsung Wallet by simply tapping their phone near the mobile ID reader or having the mobile ID reader scan the QR code.”

Samsung and IDEMIA first announced their partnership last year, rolling it to residents of Arizona and Iowa.

“Travelers who want to take advantage of this new capability will find that their Iowa mobile ID is a convenient option when going through the security process,” said John Bright, security director for the TSA in Iowa. “TSA will continue to embrace technology that improves security effectiveness while streamlining the passenger experience at airports.”

Meanwhile, PYMNTS wrote last month that the intertwined fates of digital identity and biometrics have begun to transform payments. As digital wallets gain traction, the security features fueling their use are emerging as components shaping the future of both commerce and authentication. 

For example, Mastercard recently debuted its first biometric checkout program in Europe, a face and iris payment pilot in Poland that lets users “buy with your eyes, pay with your glance,” as the company put it.

“When combined with digital IDs, which provide a secure and verifiable way to identify individuals online, the security of biometrics is further strengthened,” PYMNTS wrote. “Observers say the integration of biometric authentication and digital IDs could result in a fundamental rethink of how authentication and transaction security are approached, and ultimately help unlock the next generation potential of the digital, connected economy.”

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) -Special Olympics Iowa is hiring for positions with an opportunity to make a difference while being involved with sports. They’re looking for two regional competitions coordinators to join their team.

“So that is overseeing all of our area competitions and helping teams get going, new athletes get going, and new coaches,” said Sydney Sloan, Director of Competitions at Special Olympics Iowa.

The full-time positions come with benefits like health insurance, 401K and Paid Time Off. Much of the job involves event planning, coordinating the different sports and working with the athletes.

“It is primarily an event planning position, but we have all different walks of life here at our office so I don’t think we’re looking for one thing specific but those things certainly help,” said Sloan.

Leaders say it’s a great role for people who like sports, have experience with event planning, or have a passion for working with people who have disabilities. And the job makes for an impactful career.

“It’s almost hard to put the impact in words. It’s just such a great feeling you get to help athletes socialize and be active and create a really great connection between volunteers, and coaches, and family members. So it’s a huge impact being in this role,” Sloan said.

Those interested can find an application here.

Copyright 2024 KCRG. All rights reserved.

GLEENWOOD, Iowa (KTIV) – Over 20,000 cyclists took to the roads of Iowa Sunday for Day 1 of RAGBRAI 51.

This year’s ride started in Glenwood, a few miles south of Council Bluffs.

The first day went through Silver City, Henderson and Emerson before ending in Red Oak, Iowa. Day 1 was 41.9 miles and had nearly 2,500 feel of climb.

On Monday, cyclists will leave Red Oak and travel through Elliott, Griswold and Lewis before ending Day 2 in Atlantic.

This year’s route is the hilliest ever in the ride’s history and has riders participating from every U.S. state and several countries.

RAGBRAI 51 comes to a close on Saturday after 434 miles in Burlington, Iowa.

Copyright 2024 KTIV. All rights reserved.