2026 - securitylinkindia

A Comprehensive Analysis: The Four Labour Codes & Their Impact on India’s PSI

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 21, 2026May 21, 2026027 mins

Col Ashok Kumar Singh (Retd.)Senior Security Consultant and Thought Leader A Tectonic turbulence or phenomenal convergence The friction of transition is the exact cost that progress extracts from legacy systems. True convergence occurs when compliance ceases to be a checklist and becomes an organizational culture. India’s Private Security Industry (PSI) stands as one of the largest employers of unorganized and contractual labour in the country, bridging the critical gap between public law enforcement and corporate, residential, and industrial safety. Historically characterized by fragmented labour compliance, razor-thin operating margins, and high attrition rates, the sector is experiencing a monumental legislative paradigm shift. The full implementation of the four labour codes – the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020 – represents a structural modernization of the nation’s employment landscape. By replacing 29 archaic Central labour laws with a streamlined, digitized, and highly integrated regulatory framework, the Government of India has fundamentally altered how human capital is priced, managed and protected. For Private Security Agencies (PSAs), this transition is not merely a routine policy update; it is an existential re-baselining. We are witnessing the formalization of India’s shadows. The private security industry, long relegated to casual compliance, is being forged by these four codes into a highly transparent, capital-grade profession. Change is not a bolt from the blue; it is a gradual convergence of forces that alters the ground we stand upon. Those who treat it as turbulence capsize; those who treat it as a compass navigate to new horizons.– Peter F. Drucker Turbulence vs. Convergence: The Industry’s Transitional State The implementation of the four labour codes introduces a dual reality for the private security industry. In the short term, agencies are grappling with operational turbulence; however, the long-term horizon signals a profound structural convergence that will formalize the sector. The phase of short-term turbulence The immediate aftermath of the notification of rules reveals significant friction points for PSAs across several distinct operational domains: The destination of long-term convergence Once the initial disruptions subside, the legislative framework steers the industry toward highly beneficial market convergence: Social Elevation of Security Personnel: From Invisible Labor to Formal Workforce At its core, the social narrative of the new labour codes centres on human dignity, formalization, and equity. Security guards in India have historically occupied a vulnerable position within the unorganized labour landscape, frequently subject to systemic underpayment, extended working hours without overtime compensation, and a lack of social safety nets. The codes systematically dismantle these vulnerabilities, driving a profound socio-economic upgrade. Universal wage security and the floor wage paradigm The Code on Wages introduces a statutory right to minimum wages for all workers, removing previous occupational exclusions that left sections of the security workforce unprotected. Crucially, the establishment of a National Floor Wage by the Central Government prevents state governments from setting minimum wages below a baseline standard of living. For the security guard, this ensures that geographic migration no longer means slipping beneath the poverty line. Furthermore, the explicit prohibition of gender-based discrimination in recruitment and compensation fosters a more inclusive environment, accelerating the formal deployment of female security personnel in retail, corporate, and logistics sectors. Comprehensive social security net and portability The Code on Social Security expands protections by linking benefits directly to an individual’s universal identity via Aadhaar-linked electronic portfolios. Feature Legacy System Framework New Labour Code Paradigm Impact on Security Personnel Gratuity Eligibility Requires 5 continuous years of service with a single employer. Reduced to 1 year for Fixed-Term Employees (FTEs). Guards on fixed annual site contracts are no longer deprived of gratuity accumulations. Social Security Portability Fragmented accounts; benefits frequently lost during employer transitions. Unified, Aadhaar-linked digital accounts. Guard retains accumulated PF and pension credits seamlessly when moving between agencies. Accident & Disability Cover Heavily reliant on slow-moving judicial paths under the Employee’s Compensation Act. Direct integration into expanded ESI and dedicated central welfare funds. Immediate access to healthcare and income rehabilitation following workplace injuries. The true measure of an industry’s maturity is not the wealth of its corporations, but the social mobility of its frontline personnel. Formalization is the bridge from invisible labour to dignified citizenship Workplace dignity, health, and safety Under the OSHWC Code, the psychological and physical environment of the security guard undergoes a structural upgrade: Dissecting the Compliance Matrix for PSAs To thrive under the new regulatory regime, PSAs must master a highly digitized, integrated compliance matrix. The strategy shifts from reactive management to real-time digital auditing. Navigating the unified definition of ‘wages’ The operational challenge lies in managing the 50% basic wage rule. The Code on Wages defines ‘Wages’ comprehensively while explicitly detailing exclusions (such as HRA, overtime, bonus, and specific allowances). If the sum of these exclusions exceeds 50% of the total remuneration package, the excess amount is automatically pulled back into the ‘Wages’ basket for calculation purposes. This dynamic directly alters an agency’s cost projections. Every PSA must audit its current payroll engines to ensure that basic pay plus dearness allowance complies with this threshold, preventing massive retroactive liabilities during future inspections. Operational adjustments under the OSHWC code Managing deployment schedules within strict statutory limits requires careful oversight. The code caps standard daily shifts at 8 hours, with total weekly hours limited to 48. While overtime is permitted, it is subject to clear daily and quarterly ceilings, and every hour of overtime must be paid at double the ordinary wage rate. Furthermore, the threshold for contract labour registration has been raised from 20 to 50 or more contract workers. This offers administrative relief to smaller operations, but larger, enterprise-grade PSAs must maintain precise digital registers to track hours, shift rotations, and overtime calculations across multiple client locations. The transition from inspection to facilitation The legacy, highly punitive ‘Inspector Raj’ has been replaced by the Inspector-cum-Facilitator model. The primary focus shifts toward guidance, compliance facilitation, and technology-driven transparency: When we change an individual’s designation…

Elevating India’s Private Security Sector: From Manpower to Professional Force

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 21, 2026May 21, 202605 mins

Kunwar Vikram SinghChairman, Central Association of Private Security Industry ( CAPSI ) The aspiration to elevate the private security sector to the highest standards of professional efficiency and public trust is not merely a personal wish – it is an urgent national imperative. In a country like India, where the demand for safety and risk mitigation is expanding across urban and rural landscapes alike, the private security industry has emerged as a silent but indispensable pillar of stability. From safeguarding critical infrastructure and corporate assets to protecting residential communities and public spaces, the sector touches millions of lives every single day. Yet, despite its scale and significance, it continues to operate far below its true potential. My vision is clear – the private security sector must transform from a manpower-driven service into a knowledge-led, technology-enabled profession grounded in discipline, ethics, and accountability. Professional efficiency begins with training. A security professional must not merely be a guard – but a skilled ‘Guarding Officer,’ equipped with situational awareness, emergency response capabilities, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Standardized, high-quality training modules, aligned with global benchmarks, are essential. Continuous upskilling, certification, and specialization must become the norm rather than the exception. Equally important is the integration of technology. The future of security lies in the intelligent use of AI-driven surveillance, data analytics, remote monitoring, and predictive threat assessment. The human resource must be complemented – not replaced – by smart systems that enhance decision-making and response times. A modern security workforce must be as comfortable with digital tools as it is with physical vigilance. However, efficiency without trust is hollow. Trust is the true currency of the security profession. It is earned through integrity, transparency, and consistency in service delivery. Every security agency must adopt strict compliance standards, adhere to regulatory frameworks, and embrace ethical practices. Background verification, accountability mechanisms, and professional conduct must be non-negotiable pillars of the industry. There is also a pressing need to address the perception challenge. Security personnel are often undervalued, seen as low-skilled labor rather than trained professionals. This mindset must change. By improving nomenclature, career progression pathways, wages, and working conditions, we can attract educated youth and instill pride in the profession. A respected workforce naturally delivers higher standards of service. Policy support will play a decisive role. Effective implementation of the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA), faster licensing processes, and institutional support for capacity building can unlock tremendous growth. Public-private partnerships can further strengthen the ecosystem, especially in areas of national importance such as critical infrastructure protection and disaster response. India has the potential to become a global leader in private security services. With over 10 million personnel and growing at an impressive pace, the sector can not only meet domestic needs but also export skilled security professionals worldwide. But this will only happen if we commit to excellence today. This is more than an industry transformation – it is a mission. A mission to build a security ecosystem that inspires confidence, commands respect, and delivers uncompromised protection. The journey to the highest levels of professional efficiency and trust is challenging, but it is achievable. And it must begin now. Read More

Human Intelligence in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 21, 2026May 21, 2026011 mins

Capt Garry SinghPresidentIIRIS Consulting Why Human Responsibility Must Rise as AI Transforms the World New Age Imperatives for Upskilling & Readiness Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future possibility – it is the world’s new operating system. Nations, companies, and individuals are rapidly integrating AI across decision-making, security, healthcare, finance, governance, and even warfare. What was once considered an emerging technology has now become a defining force shaping the future of economies, industries, and societies worldwide. However, with this historic technological transformation comes an equally important responsibility. As Artificial Intelligence grows stronger and more influential, human intelligence must become more accountable, more skilled, and more prepared than ever before. AI can accelerate processes, optimise systems, and analyse data at unimaginable speed, but it still depends on human judgment, ethics, and responsibility for meaningful and safe outcomes. Like every powerful tool in history, AI amplifies the intent and capability of those who wield it – whether governments, corporations, professionals, or cybercriminal organisations. This makes human oversight, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making the most critical assets of the coming decade. Present Stage The world is already witnessing an unprecedented shift towards AI-driven ecosystems. According to global studies, nearly 58% of employees worldwide are already using AI regularly at work as of 2025, with adoption rates highest in countries such as India, China, Nigeria, and Brazil. This clearly indicates that AI is no longer limited to technology companies alone – it has become a mainstream workplace reality. At the same time, experts estimate that nearly 80% of the global workforce will require reskilling or upskilling by 2026 in order to work effectively alongside AI systems. Traditional job roles are evolving rapidly, and new-age capabilities such as AI literacy, data understanding, cybersecurity awareness, and critical thinking are becoming essential across industries. The economic implications are equally massive. The World Economic Forum estimates that Artificial Intelligence could contribute nearly $15 trillion to the global economy, but only those countries and organisations that invest heavily in human learning and workforce preparedness will truly benefit from this transformation. The message is becoming increasingly clear – AI is not simply changing industries – it is redefining national competitiveness and future readiness. Global Pivot Towards AI The world is not just adopting AI; it is reorganising itself around it. Governments across the globe are embedding Artificial Intelligence into healthcare systems, defence strategies, public services, national security operations, and economic planning. Corporates are redesigning workflows, business models, operational systems, and workforce structures to maximise AI-driven efficiencies. Even small and medium businesses are using AI tools for sales forecasting, customer engagement, cyber protection, and financial management. This global pivot towards AI is creating a new international reality where technological leadership is becoming a strategic advantage. Nations that master AI ecosystems will shape future economic and geopolitical influence, while those that fail to adapt risk being left behind. The message is unmistakable: AI leadership is becoming national strategy. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future possibility – it is the world’s new operating system. Nations, companies, and individuals are rapidly integrating AI across decision-making, security, healthcare, finance, governance, and even warfare. What was once considered an emerging technology has now become a defining force shaping the future of economies, industries, and societies worldwide The Skills Crisis Even as AI capability rises exponentially, human capability is struggling to keep pace. This widening gap is emerging as one of the biggest challenges of the modern era. Reports reveal that only 1 in 50 AI investments succeeds effectively, largely due to the lack of adequate human capability, training, and organisational preparedness. Many institutions are investing heavily in technology without equally investing in the people who must manage, govern, and work alongside these systems. Furthermore, nearly 70% of employers now consider AI skills more important than traditional computer literacy. This marks a significant shift in workforce expectations, where adaptability and technological understanding are becoming essential employability criteria. Interestingly, organisations that actively provide AI learning and development opportunities are witnessing approximately 34% higher employee retention, demonstrating that workforce empowerment and learning culture are becoming competitive advantages in themselves. The skills crisis therefore is not only a technological issue – it is a leadership, education, and policy challenge. Significance Despite its immense capabilities, Artificial Intelligence still has fundamental limitations. AI can calculate, predict, analyse, automate, and optimise – but it cannot be morally accountable. It cannot independently understand ethics, empathy, responsibility, or the broader human consequences of decisions. This is precisely why human intelligence becomes even more significant in the age of AI. Humans must continue to lead in areas that require setting strategic direction, exercising judgment. managing ambiguity, owning consequences, ethical decision-making, and human-centric governance. Without strong human capability and oversight, AI systems can unintentionally accelerate errors, bias, fraud, cyber manipulation, misinformation, and systemic risks at massive scale. In critical sectors such as healthcare, defence, policing, and finance, irresponsible or unchecked AI deployment can have serious societal and national consequences. The challenge therefore is not whether AI will replace humans, but whether humans will prepare themselves adequately to lead AI responsibly. Where is the Solution? The solution lies in building stronger human intelligence alongside stronger artificial intelligence. Mass upskilling & reskilling AI literacy, data literacy, cybersecurity basics, analytical capability, and critical thinking must become mainstream skills across sectors and professions. Continuous learning can no longer remain optional in the AI era. Policy modernisation Governments must establish national AI standards, responsible-use regulations, workforce readiness mandates, and ethical governance frameworks to ensure balanced and secure AI growth. Industry responsibility Corporates must treat AI training and workforce development as essential infrastructure investment rather than optional learning expenditure. Organisations that empower employees with AI readiness will remain future competitive. Human-centric AI governance Humans must continue to remain in control of critical decisions, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, finance, policing, defence, and public safety. AI should augment human intelligence—not replace human accountability. Conclusion Human intelligence must not shrink in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Instead, it must rise—stronger, sharper, more…

From Guards to Guardians of Resilience: The Rise of Intelligent & Integrated Security

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 21, 2026May 21, 2026025 mins

Rajeev SharmaCluster Managing Director, India, Nepal & Bangladesh, G4S As India’s security landscape undergoes a rapid transformation driven by technology, infrastructure expansion, compliance requirements, and evolving threat perceptions, the role of private security is no longer confined to traditional guarding services. Today, organisations are increasingly looking for integrated, intelligence-led, and technology-enabled security frameworks capable of ensuring resilience, operational continuity, and proactive risk management. At the forefront of this transformation is G4S India, one of the country’s leading integrated security solutions providers. Under the leadership of Rajeev Sharma, CMD, G4S India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, the organisation has been steadily strengthening its position through a balanced ‘phygital’ approach that combines trained manpower with AI-enabled surveillance, remote monitoring, command centres, analytics, and digital workforce platforms. A seasoned industry leader known for his operational depth, strategic clarity, and people-centric leadership style, Rajeev Sharma has played a significant role in steering G4S India through a period marked by rapid technological disruption, rising compliance expectations, workforce challenges, and increasing demand for integrated security solutions. As part of Allied Universal®, one of the World’s largest services company, G4S India continues to align global best practices with India’s evolving security ecosystem while focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. In this exclusive interaction with SecurityLinkIndia, Rajeev Sharma shares his perspectives on the future of security, industry sustainability, AI-led transformation, workforce professionalisation, client awareness, and the growing convergence of human expertise and digital intelligence in modern security operations. Here are the excerpts: Can you please throw some light on the recent business developments and activities of G4S in India and abroad? G4S continues to strengthen its integrated security capabilities across sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, BFSI, aviation, logistics, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. In India, we are increasingly focusing on technology-enabled solutions including AI-led surveillance, remote monitoring, command centres, and digital workforce platforms. As part of Allied Universal®, we also benefit from global best practices, stronger governance frameworks, and access to advanced security technologies. Our recent recognition at the OSPAs 2025 reflects our continued focus on operational excellence, innovation, and people-led growth. As a leader of one of the world’s largest security organisations, what are the top three shifts that have fundamentally changed how security services are delivered today? The first shift is the move from reactive security to predictive and preventive security. The second is the convergence of physical and digital security as infrastructure becomes increasingly connected. The third is the rise of hybrid security models where technology enhances human capability rather than replacing it. Today, security is far more intelligence-led, integrated, and technology-enabled than ever before. A seasoned industry leader known for his operational depth, strategic clarity, and people-centric leadership style, Rajeev Sharma has played a significant role in steering G4S India through a period marked by rapid technological disruption, rising compliance expectations, workforce challenges, and increasing demand for integrated security solutions. With the backing of Allied Universal®, G4S India continues to align global best practices with India’s evolving security ecosystem while focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and long-termvalue creation The global security industry has faced margin pressures, rising manpower costs, and pricing competition – how has G4S India navigated these realities? The industry is certainly witnessing increasing cost pressures and evolving client expectations. Our approach has been to focus on operational efficiency, compliance, training, and technology integration rather than competing only on pricing. By adopting a balanced ‘phygital’ model, where technology complements manpower, we are able to improve productivity while continuing to deliver high service standards. What have been the key operational or financial challenges faced by G4S India in the last couple of years, and what lessons have emerged from them? The past few years have reinforced the importance of agility, resilience, and adaptability. Rising labour costs, rapid technological changes, compliance expectations, and workforce management continue to be key industry challenges. One major learning has been that investment in technology and workforce professionalisation is no longer optional it is essential for long-term sustainability and service excellence. Over the recent years, the Indian security industry has moved from manpower-led to intelligence-led models. How do you interpret this transition and competence of G4S in the situation? This transition reflects the changing nature of risks and client expectations. Security today is no longer only about physical presence; it is about visibility, intelligence, and proactive risk management. At G4S, we combine trained manpower with AI-enabled surveillance, remote monitoring, analytics, and command centres to deliver more integrated and responsive security solutions. G4S continues to strengthen its integrated security capabilities across sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, BFSI, aviation, logistics, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. In India, we are increasingly focusing on technology-enabled solutions including AI-led surveillance, remote monitoring, command centres, and digital workforce platforms In a market where pricing undercuts quality, how do you maintain service excellence without diluting value? Security cannot be viewed purely as a cost-driven service because the cost of inadequate security is often far greater. Our focus remains on delivering long-term value through trained personnel, strong compliance, operational discipline, and technology-led efficiency. We believe service quality and client trust are built through consistency and reliability. How has your leadership approach evolved in response to this multi-dimensional disruption – technology, compliance, and client expectations? Leadership today requires adaptability and continuous learning. The industry is evolving rapidly, and leaders must remain open to innovation while staying grounded in operational discipline and people development. I strongly believe in empowering teams, encouraging collaboration, and building a culture that embraces both accountability and transformation. G4S India has consciously moved toward a technology-led ‘phygital’ model – what triggered this shift, and how far along are you in this journey? The shift was driven by the growing complexity of risks and the need for faster, more intelligent security solutions. Clients today expect real-time visibility, proactive monitoring, and integrated risk management. Our journey is well underway, with increased adoption of AI-enabled surveillance, remote monitoring centres, digital reporting systems, and integrated command platforms across operations. The first shift is the move from reactive security to…

AGENTIC AI HAS ARRIVED – THE LIABILITY – DOCTRINE HAS NOT

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 12, 2026May 12, 2026011 mins

Dr. Pavan DuggalAdvocate, Supreme Court of IndiaArchitect, Global AI Accountability On the eve of the International AI Accountability Forum 2026, India is positioned to declare the world’s first multi-actor liability framework for autonomous artificial agents. The window will not remain open. On 14 May 2026, when the International AI Accountability Forum convenes at New Delhi, the international community will be forced to confront the question every legal system on the planet has so far chosen to defer – who is liable when an autonomous artificial agent acts upon the world and causes harm? The question is no longer hypothetical. It is the operating reality of every major economy in 2026. The agentic turn in artificial intelligence is complete. Earlier generations of AI advised. Contemporary agentic systems act. An autonomous agent today receives a goal, decomposes it into sub-tasks, plans across multiple tools and environments, executes against the real world, observes outcomes, and adapts. Contracts are being concluded by such agents. Financial trades are being executed by them. Code is being generated and deployed by them. Consequential real-world tasks are being carried out by them across borders and across legal regimes. And yet, in every major jurisdiction on the planet, the law of liability remains designed for a world in which the consequential decision was reserved to a human actor. That world no longer exists. The consequence is doctrinal strain on a scale the international legal order has not previously seen. The law of agency, drafted for human agents and human principals, strains when an artificial agent transacts. The law of vicarious liability strains when an agent causes harm through emergent behaviour that no developer expressly programmed and no deployer expressly authorised. The law of mens rea strains when an artificial agent commits an act that, performed by a human, would constitute fraud, harassment, or defamation. Jurisdictional rules strain when developer, deployer, and victim are domiciled in three different sovereign jurisdictions. Where the law strains, accountability fails. Where accountability fails, the victim bears the cost of innovation that benefited others. That is not a regulatory inconvenience. It is a moral failure. A framework adequate to the technology The Duggal Global Agentic AI Liability Framework, advanced under the doctrinal authority of the New Delhi Accord on AI and Emerging Tech Law of 24 July 2025 and proposed for adoption at the International AI Accountability Forum, is designed to close this gap. It rests upon five operative pillars that, together, supply the first comprehensive multi-actor liability architecture engineered specifically for autonomous AI agents. First, tiered multi-actor liability. Responsibility for agentic harm must attach across the entire supply chain – to the model developer for foundational design choices, training-data composition, and disclosure of known limitations; to the orchestration-layer operator for the design of planning and tool-use scaffolding; to the deployment platform for the integration of safeguards and post-deployment monitoring; and to the end-user enterprise for the appropriateness of deployment, the design of oversight, and the quality of consent and disclosure to affected persons. Liability is joint and several where causal contributions overlap. Complexity cannot be the alibi of irresponsibility. Second, autonomous contract formation. Where an agentic AI concludes a contract on behalf of a deployer, the contract binds the deployer to the extent the agent acted within an objectively communicated scope of authority, with appropriate defences preserved for fraudulent inducement and unconscionability. Disclosure that one is contracting with an artificial agent is a substantive requirement, not a courtesy. The counterparty is entitled to know. Third, vicarious liability for learned behaviour. The Framework rejects the proposition that a deployer escapes liability merely because the agent caused harm through emergent or unanticipated behaviour. Where a deployer placed the agent in operation, foreseeably benefited from its operation, and possessed the capacity to design oversight, monitoring, and override, the deployer bears responsibility within the agent’s operational footprint. The doctrine is calibrated, not strict. It is not, however, absent. Fourth, override and kill-switch obligations. An agentic AI deployed in any consequential context must be designed with capacities for real-time human interruption and authorised termination. Their absence is, in itself, a basis of liability where harm ensues. Fifth, insurance, compensation, and victim redress. Consequential agentic deployments must be backed by mandatory financial-responsibility arrangements calibrated to risk, and a no-fault compensation pool, funded by levies on such deployments, must supply redress where individual apportionment is inefficient. No victim of agentic AI harm should remain uncompensated by reason of doctrinal complexity alone. The Indian window The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, however ambitious within its regional reach, is structured around product-safety logic that maps imperfectly onto agentic systems and is thin on civil liability. The United States operates without comprehensive federal AI legislation. The OECD Principles and the UNESCO Recommendation are instruments of soft law. The Council of Europe Framework Convention establishes principles but operates primarily as an inter-state instrument with limited reach against private deployers. Across the entire international architecture, there exists no harmonised cross-border liability regime for the agentic systems already in deployment. This is the absence that the International AI Accountability Forum 2026 is convened to fill. It is the absence that India is positioned – by constitutional tradition, by demographic weight, by convening capacity, and by the doctrinal momentum generated through Global Summit in Artificial Intelligence Emerging Tech Law and Governance 2025 (GSAIET 2025) and the New Delhi Declaration on Responsible Artificial Intelligence endorsed by eighty-six countries at Bharat Mandapam in February 2026 – to address on behalf of the international community. Agentic AI without legal accountability is civilisational recklessness. The law of artificial intelligence is being written now, in this calendar year, on this continent. Those who participate in its writing will determine its content. Those who do not will inherit it. Dr Pavan Duggal is Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Founder and Chairman of the Global Artificial Intelligence Law and Governance Institute; Chief Executive of the Artificial Intelligence Law Hub; and Founder and Honorary Chancellor of Cyberlaw University. He is the architect of the Duggal…

NIST Helps Fingerprint Examiners with New Data and Software Release

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 7, 2026May 6, 202609 mins

NIST’s fingerprint dataset SD 302 includes 10,000 fingerprint images, including this one from the sticky side of a postage stamp. The dataset is now completely annotated with details such as the colorized regions at right. The colors, which represent regions of differing quality, will help train both humans and machine learning algorithms how to distinguish identifying features and weigh their importance as evidence. Credit: B. Hayes/NIST Sifting through fingerprints gathered from crime scenes is the job of fingerprint analysts and – increasingly – their computers. Training humans and their machine partners for this meticulous work is no easy task, but help has arrived in the form of a new data and software release from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The data, consisting of thousands of fingerprints along with notes detailing their quality, follows the release of an open-source software package that can help assess print quality rapidly. Together, they offer a pair of tools for improving the expertise of forensic scientists. “These two resources will help improve the science of fingerprint identification,” said NIST Computer Scientist Greg Fiumara, “The data is the largest and most complete fingerprint dataset now available, and the software is a modified version of a print analysis tool used by U.S. law enforcement that we are making freely available to the world.” The fingerprint data, available as part of NIST Technical Note (TN) 2367, augments a previous release, Special Database (SD) 302, that NIST initially made available in 2019. It contains about 10,000 fingerprints gathered in a lab environment from 200 volunteers, who consented to their prints’ use for research purposes. All other personal information was scrubbed from the database, including the volunteers’ names and places of residence. “The prints are from people we recruited to come in and do things like write a note, pick up a circuit board, handle a dollar bill, that sort of thing,” Fiumara said, “Then we recovered the prints they left behind using different methods that crime scene investigators commonly use.” Since the data’s initial release, more than 1,000 research organizations from more than 90 countries have downloaded it. But it was not complete. Only about half of its fingerprints contained annotations – specific details about a print that offer a guide to evaluating the print’s quality. It is these annotations that make the database such a valuable teaching tool, because they show new examiners – and increasingly, AI – what to look for and what to avoid when evaluating a print. “Recently, experts went back and created annotations for the remainder of the prints. As with fingerprints gathered from actual crime scenes, the prints in the dataset vary widely in quality. In some spots, the lines left by a fingertip’s tiny, curving ridges are clear and unbroken, while in others these lines are smudged or incomplete. The annotations, which include regions that are color-coded to indicate different levels of print quality, will help educate humans and AI alike,” Fiumara said. “These images are good for classroom education, to teach examiners how to look for identifying features,” he said, “And they will also help teach AI algorithms where to look and how to weigh a feature’s importance. With this kind of training, a fingerprint evaluation algorithm will get better.” For software developers as well as print examiners, the second resource in the release will provide additional value. NIST recently obtained software called LQMetric that was designed to assess the quality of fingerprints, but whose use was limited to U.S. law enforcement. Over the past year, NIST funded the conversion of the software to a version that would run on Mac, Windows or Linux systems, and then made it open source for anyone in the world to use. The newly reconfigured software, which NIST is calling OpenLQM, can function as a standalone program or be incorporated into other software like a plug-in. “You give OpenLQM a fingerprint and it returns a number from 0-100 that is an assessment of the print’s quality,” Fiumara said, “It can help print assessors work more quickly, which is important in forensic science when you often have hundreds of prints to review from a crime scene. You want to help them separate out the prints that contain the highest level of detail. That’s where the software comes in.” Both the dataset and the software have proved valuable to users. “LQMetric software has been an invaluable asset,” said Anthony Koertner, a certified latent print examiner at the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, “It’s been pivotal in our efforts to achieve greater objectivity and reproducibility in latent print quality assessments. The open-source release, complemented by NIST Special Database 302, represents a significant advancement for the global forensic community. Together, they provide powerful new resources for practitioners and researchers to drive innovation and enhance collaboration in the field.” Read More

India’s Accessibility Push Meets a Ground Reality Check

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 6, 2026May 6, 2026011 mins

Designers Like Apoorva Avadhana Are Rewriting the Approach India’s rapid expansion in IoT, smart surveillance, and AI-driven security systems has brought data privacy into sharp focus. From CCTV networks and biometric authentication to mobile-based identity verification, the country is building one of the world’s largest data ecosystems. Yet, within this transformation lies a complex paradox – the same data pipelines raising privacy concerns are also enabling unprecedented breakthroughs in accessibility. For millions of Indians with disabilities, especially those with visual or motor impairments, access to everyday systems such as banking, governance, and identity verification, often remains deeply uneven. Technologies like ‘Seeing AI’ demonstrate this tension clearly. Acting as a ‘virtual eye,’ such tools can read documents, detect objects, and even guide users to signature fields. But they also require processing sensitive personal data, often raising concerns around where that data goes and how it is used. This is not a new trade-off. Historically, accessibility has been a quiet catalyst for technological advancement. Alt text and captions that originally designed for people with vision impairments or low-bandwidth environments, have become foundational datasets for training computer vision systems. Today, those same systems power generative AI to enabling machines to create images from text. Accessibility, in many ways, has been the unseen infrastructure behind modern AI. But in India’s current IoT and security landscape, the stakes are higher. For individuals with motor disabilities, even something as basic as writing or signing a document can be a barrier to accessing financial systems, government schemes, or legal identity. Increasingly, mobile cameras and sensor-based systems are being used to track facial movements, gestures, and expressions to enable interaction without touch. These systems, while powerful, operate at the intersection of biometric data, surveillance, and personal autonomy. It is within this intersection that Apoorva Avadhana’s work offers a critical alternative. Apoorva talking on Rural Inclusive Innovation Methodologies At The Invisabal Panel With The Tata Steel Foundation At The International Purple Fest 2025, Panjim, Goa. At the International Purple Fest 2025, where global conversations on inclusion met grassroots realities, Apoorva emphasized a shift in thinking – accessibility is not about high-end solutions, but about enabling ‘survival, dignity, and participation.’ Speaking at the InviSabal panel on rural inclusive innovation, she highlighted how technologies designed for controlled, urban environments often fail in rural India – where infrastructure is fragile, maintenance is limited, and costs are prohibitive. Her work directly engages with one of the most overlooked barriers in India’s digital ecosystem – the inability to produce a consistent signature. Without it, individuals can be excluded from banking, welfare enrollment, and identity systems. While biometric solutions exist, they often introduce new privacy risks and dependencies on centralized systems. Through her research with the NYU Ability Project, Apoorva contributed to the development of a low-cost, open-source assistive tool that reimagines this problem through a privacy-aware lens. Using AI-based face mesh tracking, the tool converts subtle neck movements into digital strokes, allowing users with severe mobility impairments including quadriplegia to draw signatures independently. Crucially, the system operates differently from conventional camera-based tracking technologies. It runs locally on the device, does not capture or store images, and instead relies on geometric relationships such as the distance between facial key-points like the eyes and nose to interpret movement. The output is stored directly on the user’s phone, ensuring that sensitive data, including signatures, never leaves the device. In an era where IoT systems often default to cloud-based data processing and continuous surveillance, this approach is significant. It demonstrates that accessibility does not have to come at the cost of privacy. Instead, through thoughtful design, it is possible to build systems that are both empowering and secure. Apoorva’s broader methodology, what she terms ‘receptive design,’ extends beyond technology itself. It is participatory in nature and receptive to people’s everyday way to living and working. Her work draws from India’s culture of jugaad, emphasizing adaptability, local materials, and co-creation with communities. Whether it is designing assistive tools that function without stable internet or leveraging everyday devices like smartphones as accessibility interfaces, her approach resists the notion that innovation must be expensive or centralized. Her professional experience with organizations such as IBM and MetLife further grounds her work in large-scale systems, where accessibility, security, and compliance intersect. Yet, her focus remains consistent – designing technologies that work in the real world, across diverse socio-economic conditions. As India continues to expand its IoT and surveillance infrastructure, the question is no longer just how to secure data but also how to ensure that the systems built on that data are inclusive by design. Accessibility and privacy are often framed as competing priorities. Apoorva Avadhana’s work challenges that assumption, showing that they can and must be designed together. Because in a data-driven society, true security is not just about protecting information. It is about ensuring that the systems we build do not exclude the very people they are meant to serve. About Apoorva Avadhana Apoorva Explaining Concept of Human-Centered Design & Receptive Design Methodologies Apoorva Avadhana is a recognized design researcher specializing in accessibility, inclusive design, and assistive technology. Based in Mumbai and affiliated with The Ability Lab at New York University, she is CPACC certified and identified as a neurodivergent design researcher. With an MPS from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program and a BDes in Human-Centered Design from the Srishti Institute of Art Design and Technology, Apoorva’s work bridges grassroots innovation with inclusive design, using low-cost and open-source emerging technologies to address accessibility in activities of daily living (ADL). She has professional experience as a UX researcher and Accessibility SME, for clients like IBM, TSB, and MetLife. Her research, residencies, and exhibitions have received international recognition, with her work presented at leading conferences and supported by numerous grants and awards. She has gained badges, honours and laurels and she led many important workshops and trainings in Accessibility and Corporate Design Thinking Frameworks. Her work spans a vast gamut of inclusive design, research, teaching, and interdisciplinary collaborations at the intersection of AI, accessibility, and…

Matrix Geo Solutions Secures North Western Railway Contract for Drone-Led Project Monitoring

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 6, 2026May 4, 202604 mins

Matrix Geo Solutions Limited, a geospatial technology and engineering consultancy, has received a Letter of Acceptance from North Western Railway for project monitoring of the ongoing Luni-Samdari-Bhildi double line project. The contract North Western Railway, headquartered in Jaipur, involves aerial videography-based monitoring of the 271.97 km rail corridor using drone systems. The project will be executed over a period of 30 months, with a total contract value of INR3,07,62,599.51. As railway infrastructure projects expand in scale and complexity, the need for continuous, accurate, and data-backed monitoring has become more critical. Through drone-led aerial surveys and high-frequency data capture, the project will enable better tracking of construction progress, early identification of deviations, and improved coordination across stakeholders. On a monthly basis, advanced UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors will capture 4K geo-tagged video data along the alignment, with precise GPS metadata mapped to each frame. This data will be post-processed to enable change detection across the corridor, covering key construction stages such as earthwork, ballast laying, rail installation, bridge construction, and associated infrastructure development. The approach is expected to support tighter timelines, enhance on-ground safety, and bring greater transparency to project execution. Speaking on the project win, Amit Sharma, Whole Time Director, Matrix Geo Solutions Limited, said: “This mandate from North Western Railway further expands our work in railway infrastructure projects. Corridors of this scale require continuous oversight and precise data to keep execution on track. Through UAV-led monitoring, we aim to provide clear, real-time visibility into progress, enabling faster decision-making and better coordination. We are confident in our ability to support efficient execution while maintaining strong control over timelines across the project lifecycle.” The use of drone-led monitoring is also expected to deliver measurable efficiencies, including a reduction of approximately 50% in the need for physical site visits by senior officials, a decrease of around 25% in reporting turnaround time, and improved visibility into critical project locations through real-time drone feeds. Matrix Geo Solutions brings more than 25 years of experience across the USA, Europe, Africa, and Asia, delivering high-precision geospatial intelligence for large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, including railways, highways, mining, water resources, power transmission, oil and gas, and urban development. The company’s capabilities span satellite imagery, drone-enabled data capture, aerial mapping, mobile mapping, GIS, and remote sensing, enabling accurate and reliable insights for planning, monitoring, and execution. This depth of experience positions the company to manage complex, multi-kilometre projects such as the Luni-Samdari-Bhildi double line corridor, where precision, consistency, and timely data are critical to maintaining alignment with on-ground realities. Read More

PSA Singapore Strengthens Global Maritime Leadership with Motorola Solutions’ Technology

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 5, 2026May 4, 202603 mins

PSA Singapore has chosen Motorola Solutions’ advanced TETRA digital radio communications to strengthen safety and efficiency across its operations while supporting its ongoing expansion through the Tuas Mega Port project. “PSA Singapore is a strategic hub for global trade that facilitates the movement of more than 40 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) shipping containers annually across 600 ports around the world,” said Philbert Chua, container division managing director, PSA Singapore, “The development of the Tuas Mega Port is a long-term strategic investment that leverages advanced technologies and innovations to strengthen Singapore’s competitiveness, resilience and agility in managing the growing complexities and challenges of global supply chains.” Motorola Solutions’ TETRA network supports more than 4,000 users with an average of 540,000 voice calls made every day to coordinate complex, 24/7 port operations and maintain safety as containers, vessels and staff move between terminals. Tuas Mega Port will become the world’s largest, fully automated container terminal and is being developed in four phases. When fully operational in the 2040s, the Tuas Port will be capable of handling up to 65 million TEU shipping containers annually. “Our 20-year relationship with PSA Singapore is built on a shared understanding that safety is the foundation of productivity,” said Rajat Gupta, Vice President for Asia Middle East & Africa, Motorola Solutions, “As Tuas Port scales to become the world’s largest container terminal, our focus remains on providing the secure and reliable communication and services that personnel need to collaborate seamlessly every day.” Safety and security are at the heart of everything we do at Motorola Solutions. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Read More

Year: 2026