Tokyo, December 25, 2024 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) will provide a solution that ensures secure identity verification for "null²," the signature pavilion produced by media artist Yoichi Ochiai, at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The "NEC Digital Identity VC Connect" solution utilizes verifiable credentials (VC, *1) that combine distributed identity technology (DID, *2) and biometric authentication technology to verify the authenticity of visitors online based on their facial images.

Background:

With the rapid penetration of digital transformation (DX) in recent years, it is expected that society will be able to enjoy the benefits of digital technology by digitizing not only IDs and attributes, but also various information about individuals, such as qualifications, background, appearance, voice, and health status. It is also expected that in the future, people will have digital alter egos other than their natural bodies, or "digital humans," which will occupy an important position as a foundation in the ever-growing digital society.

VC is a technology developed to digitize various types of information, including personal information and credentials, and to ensure the reliability of such information. Conventional paper-based certificates have a high risk of forgery or loss and information management has been difficult. VC utilizes DID to improve the transparency and reliability of personal information as a digital certificate that can be verified online. This is expected to enable individuals to manage their own information in a self-sovereign manner, thereby reducing the intervention of third parties and contributing to the realization of a society in which digital services can be used with peace of mind.

About the "Digital Human" in the "null²" signature pavilion:

The "null²" pavilion is based on the motif of a mirror, and its purpose is to reflect visitors' digital humans as a digital mirror. Producer Yoichi Ochiai believes that in the near future, the world will come to a point where people will have their own digital humans. These digital humans will be able to operate autonomously, utilizing AI and network infrastructure. At this year's Osaka-Kansai Expo, "null²," visitors can create their own digital humans using generative AI and 3D scanning technology, through which they can actually experience digital nature.

Technology Overview:

NEC will provide NEC Digital Identity VC Connect, a DID/VC solution that utilizes biometric authentication technology, in "null²." This will support producer Yoichi Ochiai's goal of realizing autonomously active digital humans. This technology combines an application programming interface (API) and a web application to verify the authenticity of visitors online based on their facial images, and issues VCs. By using the facial recognition technology, a digital human capable of responding to social activities can be constructed. This technology enables visitors to self-sovereignly manage their own digital information.

Mr. Yoichi Ochiai, producer of the pavilion, made the following comments regarding the technical sponsorship.

"I would like to express my sincere appreciation for NEC's cooperation. Facial recognition technology is one of the key elements supporting authentication in a digital society. At the ‘null²’ pavilion, visitors' digital human experience will be enhanced through facial recognition, and NEC's advanced biometric authentication technology will help build the social infrastructure of the future."

Technology Features:

1. VC using face recognition technology

NEC uses facial recognition technology to achieve a high level of reliability and security in the digital world. With "null²," visitors' digital IDs are securely managed and stored in a wallet on smart devices in a form that cannot be tampered with. This helps prevent identity theft and other forms of fraud to enhance the pavilion experience.

2. Providing a data usage experience through a "self-sovereign identity"

By utilizing NEC's DID/VC solution, visitors can experience a "self-sovereign identity" in which they manage their digital information at their own will. This provides an environment where visitors can manage their own data, including personal information, independent of others.

3. Seamless user experience

Within the "Mirrored Body®" application for creating digital humans, the user interface is designed intuitively, allowing visitors to register and use digital IDs containing facial information without the need for complicated operations. It provides an easy-to-operate user interface and user experience for a future in which digital humans will become more prevalent.

Going forward:

NEC will support the operation and success of the "null²" exhibit as a technology sponsor at the Expo. Moreover, NEC will accelerate the development of use cases for industries such as healthcare, entertainment, retail, and tourism, using the technological expertise gained through this project and feedback from visitors as a reference, and promote the further strengthening and development of the DID/VC business using biometric authentication technology.

NEC offers end-to-end digital transformation (DX) services, from strategy and concept consulting to implementation-focused offerings, based on the three pillars of business models, technology, and organization/talent. Additionally, in its shift from a traditional systems integrator to a "Value Driver," NEC restructured its value creation model under the name "NEC BluStellar" (*3), which leverages NEC’s cutting-edge technologies, developed and refined through years of experience and proven cross-industry expertise, aiming to transform business models, address social challenges, resolve management issues faced by customers, and lead them into a brighter future.

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Notes:

About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.