FAQ
Where are the photos processed?
Data processing entirely in Switzerland
Photo Collect processes all photos exclusively in Switzerland. The hosting infrastructure is located in highly secure, ISO 27001 and FINMA data centers in Zurich and Geneva. These are operated by Swiss providers that meet the highest standards of data protection, availability and physical security. The storage, processing and quality control of the images are carried out under the full control of Visible Solutions AG, the company behind Photo Collect. This ensures that no data is transferred to third countries and that all regulatory requirements of Swiss and European data protection laws are complied with.
No use of external cloud services or AI platforms
A key security advantage of Photo Collect is that no foreign cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure are used. The AI models used for facial recognition, image analysis, background removal and quality checks are also operated and further developed by Photo Collect . The entire software infrastructure was developed under the principle of "privacy by design" - each product instance runs as a completely isolated system with its own storage and database access. This ensures complete separation of customer data.
Protection from the US CLOUD Act and other compliance benefits
As all data is processed and stored exclusively in Switzerland, it is not subject to the US CLOUD Act. This could force US providers to access stored data - even if it is located outside the USA. This is not the case with Photo Collect : Neither technical infrastructure nor software or operators are subject to foreign jurisdiction. This is a decisive advantage for organizations with high data protection, data sovereignty and compliance requirements - such as public authorities, healthcare institutions or corporations. Hosting in Switzerland guarantees maximum data security, transparency and trust.
You can also find more information in this blog post on hosting in Switzerland and digital sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
We would be happy to discuss your requirements and the possibilities of Photo Collect in an online meeting.
General questions
How can I use Photo Collect?
Photo Collect is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that we operate for your company.
Will Photo Collect be adapted to my CI/CD?
Yes, the colors and logo are adapted to your corporate identity during setup.
Can the email and SMS templates be customized?
Yes, all communication templates can be customized.
How much does Photo Collect cost?
The costs depend on the model chosen and the number of photos. We will be happy to make you an offer after an initial consultation.
I have further questions
We will be happy to answer your question personally via the contact form below, or ask our automatic ChatGPT expert.
Questions about image properties
Which photo formats are possible?
The photo formats can be freely configured. In addition to the standard format in the corporate sector (4:3) and the passport photo format (1:1 or 45:35), any aspect ratio can be configured. Photos with a round cut-out are also possible.
What requirements must the uploaded photo meet?
The photo should be a clear, frontal portrait without headgear or sunglasses. The background is automatically removed, so there are no special requirements for the shooting location.
Is it possible to upload group photos?
No, Photo Collect is designed for individual portraits. Group photos are recognized and rejected by the AI.
Do the photos meet ICAO standards?
Yes, the photos captured with Photo Collect meet the requirements of ICAO standards, provided that manual quality control is applied. The ICAO standards define international requirements for passport photos, especially for biometric IDs such as passports.
Are the photos biometric?
Yes, Photo Collect can be used to capture biometric photos that comply with passport standards / ICAO standards. You can choose whether the mouth must be closed or whether you are allowed to smile in the photo. Further assessment of the photo is then carried out via quality control.
Are the images edited with generative AI?
No, the faces remain unchanged. This is the only way the images meet the security-relevant requirements for a photo ID.
Which photo backgrounds are possible?
A color, a gradient, or a specific background image can be used as the background.
Questions about IT and integrations
Can I integrate Photo Collect into my IT?
Yes, integration is optional. You can either import the personnel numbers from Excel into Photo Collect or use the app or photo kiosk and get started right away. The finished photos are downloaded as a ZIP file. If required, Photo Collect can be fully integrated into any system via the programming interface (API).
Is Photo Collect compatible with access control systems?
Photo Collect operates independently of existing access systems. If required, Photo Collect can be integrated into an existing access or card management system.
Is integration with existing HR systems possible?
Yes, Photo Collect offers a REST API that enables seamless integration with existing systems.
What existing connections are available?
Various PIAM systems offer an interface to Photo Collect , e.g. Securigate from Securiton or OCMS from ID-ware. Other systems can be integrated via the API. There are also card manufacturers and printer systems that offer an interface to Photo Collect . We are happy to provide information.
Is there an Application Programming Interface (API)?
All functions can be controlled via a REST API. We would be happy to advise you on implementation.
Can I use my own domain?
Photo Collect can be integrated via a subdomain of your company domain (e.g. photo.your-company.com). This creates trust and increases the open rate of links in emails and SMS.
Can I use my own email server?
Yes, instead of the standard mail server, you can use your company's SMTP server to send emails.
Is hosting included?
Photo Collect is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Everything you need for operation is provided, including hosting, e-mail server and domain.
Can the photos be stored in encrypted form?
After processing, the photo can be encrypted with your OpenPGP public key and made available for export.
Questions about the process
Are users informed about faulty photos?
If the quality is insufficient, users receive immediate feedback and can upload a new photo. If necessary, a follow-up invitation with the reason for rejection will be sent.
How long are the photos stored?
The photos are automatically deleted after the process is completed. The exact storage period can be adjusted according to customer requirements.
Who has access to the uploaded photos?
Only authorized persons within your company or organization have access to the photos. The data is processed in accordance with the applicable data protection regulations.
Can existing employee data be imported?
Yes, data can be easily integrated via Excel imports or via the REST API.
Contractual issues
What license models does Photo Collect offer?
For customers with a volume of approx. 1000 photos or more, we recommend the dedicated Photo Collect Business instance. Photo Collect Cloud is suitable for smaller volumes. We will be happy to advise you on both options.
What does the license include?
The license agreement includes the ready-to-use software, a support agreement (SLA) and an included number of uploads per year.
Where are the photos processed?
All photos are processed exclusively in Switzerland in an ISO 27001-certified data center. All image processing, including all AI models, is carried out by Visible Solutions AG (developer of Photo Collect) itself. No cloud services from abroad are used and the photo data never leaves Switzerland. This means that all processed image data is fully protected from the US CLOUD Act.
Questions about setup and support
What is the setup process?
We accompany you and your team during the setup of Photo Collect and are happy to support you in creating the processes for photo procurement if required.
What support do I receive?
Our experienced team supports you throughout the entire process. From the legal aspects to the setup and the daily business, we are there for you and can make adjustments to the process or the parameters if required.
