‘This latest program follows the 2024 Remote Identity Validation Technology Demonstration (RIVTD), which revealed significant performance variations among commercially available products.’
The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) has launched a new initiative called the Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR), aimed at advancing technologies for remote identity verification. The program, which will run throughout 2025, seeks to enhance security and efficiency in online access to government and commercial services.
The RIVR program builds upon previous DHS S&T testing efforts and will be conducted in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Forensic Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The initiative will evaluate systems’ capabilities in authenticating identity documents, assessing the “liveness” of selfie photos, and validating identities using smartphone-captured images.
This latest program follows the 2024 Remote Identity Validation Technology Demonstration (RIVTD), which revealed significant performance variations among commercially available products. Technology developers interested in participating can submit applications until April 11, 2025, with an informational webinar scheduled for March 12, 2025.
The initiative comes as TSA continues to expand its implementation of digital identity verification technologies. Recent deployments at Sacramento International Airport and the nationwide expansion of Virginia’s mobile driver’s license acceptance demonstrate the growing importance of reliable remote identity validation systems.
“As demand for secure, efficient access to online government and commercial services grows, S&T remains committed to working with innovative technology developers to advance remote identity validation technologies that enhance security and improve the user experience,” said Arun Vemury, DHS S&T Senior Advisor for Biometric and Identity Technologies.
TSA Identity Management Capability Manager Jason Lim emphasized the program’s significance for transportation security operations, noting that TSA has long relied on S&T’s rigorous testing of identity technology and processes. The agency views this partnership as crucial for ensuring remotely enrolled digital identities meet necessary security and privacy standards.
NIST Biometrics Evaluator Patrick Grother highlighted the importance of understanding these technologies’ capabilities, stating that NIST is “enthusiastic to contribute to this important ongoing effort through robust technology evaluations and standardized metrics.”
The launch of RIVR comes amid increased scrutiny of biometric identification programs, particularly regarding privacy concerns and oversight issues. These considerations will likely influence the development and implementation of remote identity verification technologies moving forward.
Source: Department of Homeland Security
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March 07, 2025 – by Cass Kennedy
