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FaceTec UR® Code Adoption Gaining Significant Real-World Momentum

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UR® Codes bind humans to their issuer-signed identities to stop fake IDs

SUMMERLIN, Nev., Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FaceTec, Inc., the global leader in 3D Face Verification software, today announced the release of its UR® Codes August 2026 Update. The document provides insight into current use case examples of the UR Code model, describing critically important, life-saving identity verification applications.

FaceTec’s UR Code is a full-stack identity credential protocol embedded within a standard QR barcode format. Unlike traditional passwords or physical ID cards, a UR Code cryptographically binds an individual’s verified identity attributes directly to their 3D biometric face vector data.

Real-World Production Use Cases

Albany County Sheriff’s Office (Active-Duty Sheriff Deputies): Upgrades standard Deputy ID cards to allow instant, cross-jurisdictional verification by partner agencies or citizens, ensuring lost or stolen IDs cannot be used by unauthorized holders and that Fake IDs cannot be created to impersonate Deputies.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office (Retirees & LEOSA/HR218): Enables nationwide, offline verification for retired officers carrying concealed firearms under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, allowing out-of-state officers to biometrically confirm the holder’s active HR218 qualification status.

Project Lifesaver International (At-Risk Individuals): Operating in over 1,700 jurisdictions in the US and Canada, UR Code labels are being added to locator bracelets, clothing, and footwear worn by individuals with cognitive conditions such as autism or dementia. Anyone in the community can now scan the UR Code and perform a live biometric match to identify the non-verbal or disoriented individual, and access the designated first responders who will reunite them with their caretakers.

Key Technical Features

Cryptographic Integrity: Includes a digital signature that guarantees data authenticity and prevents tampering without requiring a centralized database check (“phoning home”).

Biometric Binding: Features an integrated face-match UI that compares a live camera scan of the presenter against the biometric vector stored inside the code to prevent credential sharing, theft, or impersonation.

Offline Functionality: Functions across Android, iOS (via the free Scan & Match app), and desktop hardware, both online and offline.

Auditable Operations: Actionable scans can be tokenized and time-stamped for record management.

Please use the following link to access the full white paper, UR® Codes August 2026 Update:

https://facetec.com/UR_Codes_Update.pdf

More information and presentations at upcoming events can be found at the following links:

Identity Week America, 2026

Identity Week Keynote, Wednesday 2 September, 10:05
Reactive or Proactive? Why the Architecture Matters (Keynote Theater)
Jay Meier, Chief Identity Technology Strategist, FaceTec, Inc.Identity Week America Panel Discussion, Sept 2, 11:30
Bind, Verify, Trust. Meet the Privacy-Preserving Biometrically-Binding, Digitally-Signed UR Codes Come to Life by FaceTec and Foster Freeman at Borders Across the Globe
Alberto Lima, SVP BDM at FaceTec, Inc.; Darren Corbett, Director of Partnerships and Marketing at Foster+Freeman; Manos Mavrikos, SVP of Growth,FaceTec, Inc.Identity Week America Panel Discussion, Sept 2, 16:45
How UR Codes Are Being Used by Law Enforcement in the US (Seminar Theater B)
Moderator: Owen McShane, VP of Government Relations, FaceTec, Inc. Panel participants: Craig D. Apple Sr, Sheriff, Albany County; Gene Saunders, Founder, Project Lifesaver; Mike Zurlo, Education Outreach Coordinator, FaceTec, Inc.

Introduction To UR Codes By Owen McShane, Education 2.0 Keynote USA 2026: How Biometric Technology Can Help Fight the Rising Tide of Identity Fraud and Fake IDs

Project Lifesaver Partners With FaceTec to Identify At-Risk Children and Adults

Project Lifesaver 2026 Conference

About UR Codes

FaceTec’s UR Codes enable codeholders to prove their legal identity, age, and the right to access their accounts or privileges with high confidence, both in-person and remotely. UR Codes can contain embedded, digitally-signed biometric and legal identity information, ensuring privacy-preserving, decentralized identity verification. Safely storing unique, signed face data, personal info, and legal identity data, UR Codes provide secure, low-cost, two-party identity verification at unlimited scale in any identity-related scenario from any issuing authority, such as a DMV, passport issuer, school, or employer. For more information, visit the following resources:

An Introduction to UR CodesThe UR Encoder DemoLearn more at URCodes.com

About FaceTec

FaceTec is a global force in the fight against identity fraud. For use on standard, ubiquitous digital devices, FaceTec’s patented biometric security software solutions provide exceptionally secure, remote, unsupervised identity verification and authentication, ensuring that only the legitimate account owner is allowed access to their valuable or sensitive digital services, assets, and systems.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in the US with staff in the UK, Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, and Canada, FaceTec is the world’s leading provider of 3D face biometric Liveness and matching software, processing 4 billion-plus 3D Liveness Checks in the past 12 months, protecting sensitive information in high-risk, high-value environments, including banking and finance, government, major e-commerce, global social networks, digital national IDs and mobile driver licenses, and much more.

FaceTec’s AI-driven technology employs advanced algorithms and deep learning models to accurately and securely bind, verify, and re-verify individuals based on their unique face biometrics. FaceTec’s patented, industry-leading Certified 3D Liveness Detection and face matching, UR Codes, optical character recognition, Know Your Customer (KYC), and age estimation technology anchor the chain of trust in the IDV process for secure access to mobile and web applications.

FaceTec technology has been exhaustively tested against tens of millions of digital and physical spoof artifacts – including high-resolution photos and videos, life-like masks, and mannequin heads – as well as against much more sophisticated injection and bypass-type attacks, all of which are now easily blocked. With ongoing, advanced AI development and the world’s only Spoof Bounty Program, FaceTec continues to stay ahead of ever-changing attack methods.

For more information and business inquiries, please visit FaceTec.com. For media inquiries, please contact John Wojewidka at JohnW@FaceTec.com.

About FaceTec 3D Face Verification

FaceTec’s pioneering, patented 3D Face Biometrics are fast becoming the global standard in secure onboarding, KYC, and reverification, stopping ID fraud and unauthorized access for millions of users on six continents.

FaceTec’s 3D Face Verification Platform features:

100% data-sovereign, customer-run software: no user data is sent to FaceTecWorld-leading 3D Face Matching rate at 1-in-125 million FAR at <1% FRRPatented UI generates data-rich 3D FaceMaps® from standard 2D camerasUR® Codes enable secure, low-cost two-party identity verification$600,000 Spoof Bounty Program certified Level 4 in Spoof/Bypass Security TestingLevel 1-5 Certified 3D Liveness Detection, and Level 4 Bypass CertificationUnphishable 3D FaceMaps ensure trust without creating honeypotsSupport for all modern smartphones, tablets, and PCs with webcamsKYC/IDV Dashboard with integrated 1-to-N deduplication to catch fraudstersWorld-leading 1-in-2 million FAR 3D FaceMap-to-2D-photo-ID matchingAnonymous, better-than-human 3D age estimation and 3D age checksFast, intuitive interface with 98-99% first-time-user success ratesEasy to integrate, customize, deploy, and manage

Developers can download FaceTec’s demo apps directly from FaceTec.com for iOS, Android, and any modern browser. FaceTec sample apps are also available for free testing at dev.facetec.com.

About Liveness.com

Liveness.com is an educational resource for biometrics users, vendors, analysts, media, and regulators, providing a comprehensive history of Level 1-5 Presentation Attack Detection, Template Tampering, and Camera Bypasses, as well as explanations of methods and means for evaluation, certification testing, and bounty programs.

 

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SOURCE FaceTec, Inc.

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Pavlov Media Employees Give Back Through Nationwide Day of Service, Contributing More Than 500 Volunteer Hours

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More than 100 team members supported local nonprofits, community organizations, and environmental initiatives across the United States.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pavlov Media, a leading provider of fiber-optic Internet and managed Wi-Fi solutions, recently brought employees together for a company-wide Day of Service, contributing more than 500 hours of volunteer work to communities across the United States. The event builds on the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back through Pavlov Cares, its community outreach and philanthropic program.

More than 100 Pavlov Media employees participated in the initiative, dedicating their time to supporting local nonprofits, environmental conservation efforts, food assistance programs, and other community-focused organizations.

The Day of Service brought employees together around a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities where they live and work. From supporting food banks and animal rescue organizations to maintaining public spaces and assisting local nonprofits, team members stepped away from their daily responsibilities to give back.

“At Pavlov Media, our commitment to the communities we serve extends beyond providing Internet,” says Cory Douglas, CEO of Pavlov Media. “Through our Pavlov Cares program, we support organizations that strengthen the places where we live and work. Seeing more than 100 employees come together for this initiative is a reflection of the people who make up our organization.”

Making an Impact Across Communities

Employees volunteered with a variety of organizations and community initiatives, including:

Salt & Light (Champaign/Urbana, IL): Supporting community assistance programs in Central Illinois.Eastern Illinois Foodbank (Urbana, IL): Contributing to efforts addressing food insecurity.Champaign Public Library (Champaign, IL): Supporting a valuable community resource.Champaign County Forest Preserve District (Champaign County, IL): Assisting with invasive plant removal and botanical garden maintenance.Moore’s Rescue Ranch/Kitty Crib (Urbana, IL): Supporting local animal rescue and care efforts.Aikman Wildlife Adventure (Arcola, IL): Enhancing visitor spaces through grounds maintenance and revitalizing the indoor play area.Atlanta Food Bank (Atlanta, GA): Supporting efforts to address food insecurity in Georgia.GRACE Marketplace (Gainesville, FL): Supporting programs assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.Corinth Park District (Corinth, TX): Helping maintain community parks and recreational spaces. 

Connecting Through Community Service

Pavlov Media’s Day of Service provided employees with an opportunity to collaborate outside the workplace while supporting organizations that make a difference in their communities.

With more than 500 hours of service contributed nationwide, the initiative reflects the collective impact employees can make when they come together for a shared purpose.

Through our Pavlov Cares program, Pavlov Media continues to support local and national organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and improving lives. The company’s Day of Service reflects this ongoing commitment, bringing employees together to make a meaningful difference beyond their everyday work.

Learn more about Pavlov Cares at www.pavlovmedia.com/pavlov-cares/.

About Pavlov Media

Pavlov Media is a provider of fiber-optic Internet and managed Wi-Fi solutions serving residential communities, multifamily properties, student housing, and businesses across the United States. With a focus on connectivity, innovation, and customer experience, Pavlov Media delivers Internet solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Learn more at https://mdu.pavlovmedia.com/

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SOURCE Pavlov Media

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Urban Outfitters Invites Everyone to the Party with “All Together Now: More the Merrier” Holiday Campaign

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Rooted in Gen Z insights, UO celebrates the season with the most coveted gifts, festive fashion, and community experiences, kicking off with a holiday celebration in partnership with DoorDash.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Urban Outfitters is inviting everyone to the party this holiday season with the launch of “All Together Now: More the Merrier,” an omnichannel campaign that taps into the personal style and shared experiences that make the season special. Building on the brand’s All Together Now platform, the campaign celebrates the joy of coming together and captures the excitement of the season, from getting ready and finding the perfect outfit to showing up and celebrating with friends.

At the heart of the campaign is UO’s understanding of how Gen Z lives, shops, and celebrates. Insights from UO Insiders, the brand’s community of more than 10,000 Gen Z shoppers, students, and influencers, reveal that 85% of Gen Z shoppers self-gift during the holidays—purchasing an average of seven to eight items for themselves. Alongside self-gifting, 78% of Gen Z prefer to shop with someone else, underscoring this generation’s focus on community and togetherness.

“At Urban Outfitters, everything starts with understanding our customer,” said Shea Jensen, President of Urban Outfitters. “More the Merrier brings together the products, brands, and experiences they love, with new ways to discover and make the holiday season even more memorable.”

The campaign kicked off with an exclusive launch party in Los Angeles on November 5, reuniting members of UO’s always-on community, including Meet Me@UO Joshua Tree attendees, All Together Now commercial cast members, and Game Day student ambassadors. Designed for connection, creativity, and community, the evening featured seasonal activations, including white elephant, customization stations, and a surprise UO Live performance by Grammy-nominated artist DESTIN CONRAD. The party was brought to life in partnership with DoorDash, building on the UO’s strategy to make last-minute gifting and getting-ready essentials more accessible through on-demand delivery.

Extending the celebration beyond Los Angeles, UO brings the ultimate holiday house party to life across its digital channels and stores through doorbell-inspired creative, festive editorial imagery and specialized gift shops. Content from the campaign’s editorial shoot extends the house party atmosphere across social and digital channels, with select video content featured on connected TV (CTV) platforms, including Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ and Peacock.

The in-store and online UO Holiday Gift Shop features a curated assortment of exclusive collections and seasonal must-haves across apparel, footwear, beauty, and home. New Analog Gifting, Scent Shop, and Cozy Shop destinations bring the season’s most coveted gifts to life, curated around Gen Z’s evolving shopping habits and interests.

With giving at the heart of the season, UO is continuing to put community first through its three-month Giving Season initiative, running November to January. Alongside ongoing brand donations, customers can make contributions at checkout to support six of UO’s longstanding nonprofit partners: Altadena Girls, Active Minds, Creatives Want Change, Glisten, Rock to the Future, and Asian Arts Initiative.

For more information, visit urbanoutfitters.com.

About Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters is a global lifestyle brand dedicated to fueling the next generation’s individuality through a unique blend of product, creativity, music, and youth culture. Founded in 1970 in a small space across from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores across the United States, Canada, and Europe, alongside a dynamic digital presence. Empowering bold self-expression, Urban Outfitters leads with its distinctive designs and curated selection of women’s, men’s, accessories, and home products, and best-in-class brand partnerships. For more information, visit Urban Outfitters at www.urbanoutfitters.com.

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SOURCE Urban Outfitters

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ExpertCrowd and HUD Collaborate to Advance AI Training and Evaluation, Release SWE Benchmark

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SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ExpertCrowd, Toptal‘s platform for training and improving AI models and systems, today announced a collaboration with HUD, a Y Combinator-backed startup that provides tools for building AI training data through its DataVendor™ marketplace. Together, the teams released ExpertCrowd-SWE, a software engineering benchmark that evaluates the performance of frontier-grade LLMs and coding agents.

As AI systems take on increasingly complex work, measuring their capabilities requires tasks that reflect professional practice and grading criteria that capture what successful execution actually means. This collaboration brings together ExpertCrowd’s expert-led task development and HUD’s infrastructure for running complex RL environments.

ExpertCrowd and HUD co-developed ExpertCrowd-SWE, bringing together engineers from Toptal’s global network of highly skilled domain experts with HUD’s experience collaborating with frontier research teams. After Toptal’s experts authored tasks and grading rubrics, HUD’s infrastructure hosted task-run environments and verified the benchmarks against internal quality assurance pipelines. HUD and Toptal’s AI research teams, composed of more than a dozen PhDs and researchers with educational or professional experience at Harvard, EPFL, the University of Liège, DeepMind, Qwen, and ByteDance, reviewed and assessed the methodology and results to build one of the most robust software engineering benchmarks in the industry.

“ExpertCrowd puts practitioners at the center of defining the work AI systems should perform and judging how well they perform it. By combining that specialized expertise with HUD’s testing infrastructure, we’re advancing what AI systems can achieve and setting a higher standard for real-world performance,” said Taso Du Val, founder and CEO of Toptal.

ExpertCrowd-SWE is the first release of an ongoing Toptal-HUD collaboration, with additional initiatives in development and further announcements coming soon. Building on this foundation, ExpertCrowd and HUD will bring more specialized human expertise into the tasks, environments, and evaluations that support the next generation of AI.

“We built HUD’s infrastructure to give research teams the tools to create realistic RL training environments, run evaluations across AI models, and inspect model performance. ExpertCrowd put that infrastructure to work, bringing the professional expertise to translate complex, real-world workflows into rigorous tasks, reference outputs, and evaluation frameworks that test the limits of today’s leading AI models,” said Jay Ram, founder and CEO of HUD.

About ExpertCrowd

ExpertCrowd is Toptal’s platform for training and improving AI models and systems through RLHF, RL data generation, data labeling, and model evaluation. It is powered by Toptal’s global talent network, with more than 30,000 specialized domain experts across 140+ countries, including more than 2,000 AI and big data specialists, 12,000 professionals with advanced degrees, and 1,000 PhD-level AI specialists, available on demand. For more information, please visit ExpertCrowd.com.

About HUD

HUD is a platform for building reinforcement learning environments, used by startups, Fortune 500 companies, and frontier labs. It provides infrastructure for training models, evaluating AI agents, and creating the post-training data that aligns AI to organizations’ work. HUD’s mission is to build reliable, fair, and open infrastructure for AI data with the goal of making data valuable for the people who create it and trustworthy for the labs that train on it. DataVendor™ is HUD’s marketplace, which allows AI labs to license training and evaluation data directly from the companies that created it. For more information, please visit HUD.ai.

Contact

Luiz Baia
SVP of Marketing Strategy
luiz.baia@toptal.com

SOURCE Toptal

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