Welcome to ID Tech’s digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
Keyless Ranks 11th in NIST Face Recognition Test Among 150 Vendors
Keyless has ranked 11th out of over 150 global vendors in NIST’s FRVT 1:N facial recognition evaluation, marking a significant milestone for its privacy-preserving biometric authentication technology. Unlike traditional systems, Keyless uses secure multi-party computation and encrypted data shards to match facial biometrics without storing sensitive data, supporting GDPR compliance and zero-exposure risk. Its strong performance, especially in webcam and low-quality image scenarios, underscores its suitability for privacy-centric applications in finance, eID, and remote onboarding. The company also holds eIDAS certification, aligning it with EU Digital Identity Wallet standards.
Biometrics Institute Members Call for Consistent Standards on Facial Recognition in Public Spaces
The Biometrics Institute is calling for consistent, cross-sector standards for facial recognition technology following a member discussion on its use in retail, entertainment venues, and policing. Participants raised concerns over transparency, consent, and oversight in settings where individuals may not know FRT is in use. The session emphasized the need for independent testing, stronger privacy frameworks, and uniform Privacy Impact Assessments. Commercial deployments were flagged as especially problematic due to unclear data practices and lack of user awareness. The Institute will continue policy discussions at its upcoming Sydney and London events, promoting its core principles of proportionality, necessity, and policy-first implementation.
Vision-Box Powers End-to-End Biometric System at MSC Cruises’ New Miami Terminal
Vision-Box is the technology partner behind the biometric passenger processing system at MSC Cruises’ new Miami terminal, enabling the cruise industry’s first end-to-end facial recognition journey. The system includes 18 face pods for identity validation and 22 e-gates for embarkation, integrating with MSC’s Seamless Journey Platform and third-party systems to reduce boarding times. Passengers can pre-enroll via the MSC app or website. The terminal, the world’s largest at 492,678 square feet, can process up to 36,000 passengers daily.
Russia Mandates Biometric Scans for Foreigners’ Mobile SIM Cards
Russia now mandates facial and voice biometric scans for foreign nationals obtaining or renewing SIM cards, expanding the Unified Biometric System (UBS) to routine services. Over 200,000 foreign residents are enrolled, with in-person registration required. The policy is part of a broader digital strategy extending to e-commerce, banking, and border control, with biometric submission becoming mandatory at entry points from June 2025. While the government frames the initiative as anti-fraud and efficiency-driven, critics cite rising surveillance, lack of transparency, and data security risks. Exemptions apply to certain groups, but concerns remain amid Russia’s history of major data breaches.
UK Companies House Adopts GOV.UK One Login for Digital Identity Verification
Companies House has adopted GOV.UK One Login for identity verification, making it mandatory by autumn 2025 for anyone forming or managing UK companies, including directors, PSCs, and third-party agents. Verified individuals will receive a unique Companies House code for filings. Verification can be completed online via biometric ID documents or in person at the Post Office, with alternative options for those lacking standard credentials. The move supports the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and aims to improve data reliability and deter misuse of the register. A 12-month voluntary transition period is in place to ease adoption.
Malaysian Party Pioneers Blockchain Voting with Biometric Security
Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) is using blockchain technology for its internal elections, allowing over 296,000 members to vote securely via a hybrid model. Digital voters—97.3 percent of members—authenticate through OTPs and facial recognition via the ADIL app, while in-person voters use fingerprint and MyKad verification. All participants undergo eKYC screening and receive unique encrypted IDs to prevent duplicate votes. Voting runs from April 11–20, covering 222 divisions and nearly 17,000 candidates. Though praised for transparency and inclusion, the system raises concerns around cybersecurity and accessibility. National-level elections are scheduled to follow in May.
Fime Expands Test Tools for EU Digital ID Wallet and Mobile License Standards
Fime has updated its Digital Identity Application and Reader Test Suites to support EUDI Wallets and ISO-compliant mobile driver’s licenses, aiding compliance with standards like ISO/IEC 18013-5 and 18013-7. The enhancements come ahead of the EU’s May 2026 mandate for EUDI Wallet deployment under eIDAS 2.0, targeting sectors such as finance, healthcare, and transport. The tools enable conformity testing across NFC, BLE, Wi-Fi Aware, and QR protocols on Android and iOS, supporting interoperability and cross-border use. Security, encrypted data handling, and GDPR-aligned consent mechanisms are also validated, reinforcing Fime’s role in Europe’s digital identity infrastructure rollout.
Colorado Schools Get Green Light for Limited Facial Recognition Use
Colorado is set to revise its stance on facial recognition in schools with Senate Bill 25-143, which lifts the existing moratorium to allow limited use for security purposes such as identifying threats, locating missing children, and enforcing court-ordered bans. Educational uses require school board approval, and biometric data must be deleted within 18 months. The bill, shaped by stakeholder input and real-world safety use cases, aims to balance privacy with protection. If signed, Colorado will become the first U.S. state to enact statutory facial recognition limits in education, potentially setting a precedent for national policy discussions.
Police Scotland Opens Public Dialogue on Live Facial Recognition Plans
Police Scotland has launched a national public dialogue, in partnership with the Scottish Police Authority and Biometrics Commissioner, to explore public attitudes toward potential use of live facial recognition in policing. The initiative is not a formal consultation but aims to assess societal, legal, and ethical concerns, including privacy, algorithmic bias, and proportionality. Unlike other UK regions, Scotland has yet to deploy LFR and is prioritizing transparency and public trust. No biometric data is being collected during the process, and any future implementation would require further consultation, detailed assessments, and legislative review.
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April 10, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
