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:
NSW Police Ends Facial Recognition Use Over Racial Bias Concerns
The New South Wales Police Force has officially deactivated the facial recognition feature of its PhotoTrac Suspect Identification system, citing persistent demographic bias and outdated software. In use since 2011, the Cognitec-developed system was never upgraded despite available improvements, leading to documented inaccuracies—particularly for West African females, who experienced the highest false match rates according to NIST evaluations. Although used in hundreds of cases recently, the technology served only as an investigative aid. NSW Police now rely on newer platforms like FaceNet (branded as NYX) and Microsoft’s Insights, which emphasize object recognition over facial biometrics. The shift reflects growing ethical concerns about facial recognition in policing and aligns with broader efforts to enhance public trust and transparency in surveillance technologies.
1Kosmos Clears PAD Level 2
1Kosmos has achieved a perfect score in iBeta’s Level 2 Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) certification, confirming its biometric liveness detection can block 100 percent of advanced spoofing attempts. Tested under ISO 30107-3 standards from February 5 to March 5, 2025, on both Android and iOS platforms, the evaluation involved 600 attacks using silicone, contoured, and 3D-printed masks, as well as deepfake software. The zero percent Imposter Attack Presentation Accept Rate affirms 1Kosmos’s readiness to counter rising threats from AI-driven fraud. This milestone enhances the company’s existing security credentials, including NIST 800-63-3, FIDO2, and SOC2 certifications, and supports its growing role in high-assurance identity environments. 1Kosmos has also launched a FIDO-compliant biometric hardware device, expanded into the public sector through Login.gov, and integrated with Microsoft Entra ID to strengthen enterprise access control.
New Multi-Tenant Facial Recognition Platform Enables Shared Security Systems
Solution House has introduced FaceCamAlert, a multi-tenant facial recognition platform built to serve shared-use environments like office parks and residential estates. The system allows different organizations to operate independent facial recognition operations on a common CCTV infrastructure, ensuring data isolation and access control for each tenant. It supports open-platform cameras from Dahua and Hikvision, with Axis support in development, though details on broader integration with video management systems and adherence to open standards remain limited. The platform includes security features such as encryption, role-based access, and audit logging, but lacks published benchmarks on system performance or algorithmic bias mitigation. While compliant with South Africa’s POPIA law, Solution House has yet to disclose how FaceCamAlert addresses demographic accuracy concerns, an increasingly important factor as global regulatory frameworks evolve.
Taiwan City to Launch AI Facial Recognition at ATMs to Fight Banking Fraud
Tainan is set to pilot an AI-based facial recognition system in May 2025 to deter ATM fraud, specifically targeting “money mules” who withdraw illicit funds while hiding their identities behind masks or helmets. Unlike systems that authenticate users through pre-registered biometrics, Tainan’s approach does not block transactions but instead issues voice prompts asking users to remove face coverings. If no face is detected within 10 to 15 seconds, an audible alarm will sound, alerting nearby staff or bystanders. The pilot is intended to serve as a psychological deterrent rather than an enforcement mechanism. Officials note that Taiwanese law currently does not require individuals to show their faces at ATMs, creating a gap exploited by fraudsters. While similar facial recognition systems have been implemented by banks for authentication purposes, Tainan’s system is notable for its passive, deterrence-based approach. Authorities have not yet detailed how biometric data will be handled, raising potential privacy concerns.
Fraud Prevention Firm Fingerprint Reports 175 Percent Growth Amid Rising AI Threats
Fingerprint has reported a 175 percent revenue increase over the past two years, driven by rising enterprise demand for fraud prevention tools amid growing concerns about AI-generated fraud and synthetic identities. The company doubled its Fortune 500 customer base and added 50 new enterprise clients in fiscal year 2025, with adoption concentrated in financial services, fintech, SaaS, e-commerce, and digital media. Customers including Dropbox, Glovo, and Banco Pan use Fingerprint’s device intelligence platform, which boasts a 99.5 percent identification accuracy rate. Recent platform updates include Smart Signals for detecting high-risk behaviors such as account takeovers, remote tool use, and developer tampering. The company also announced new leadership appointments and continues to serve over 6,000 clients while maintaining SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and CCPA compliance.
UAE to Replace National ID Cards with Facial Recognition System by 2025
The United Arab Emirates plans to replace physical Emirates ID cards with a facial recognition-based digital identity system accessible via a dedicated app within the next year. This system will enable biometric authentication across sectors including banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and travel. Part of the UAE’s Government Bureaucracy Elimination Plan, the initiative builds on previous biometric deployments and will integrate with or complement the existing UAE Pass. The rollout will be phased, with physical IDs remaining valid during the transition. Led by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the system complies with national data protection laws and supports AML and KYC compliance in financial services.
iDenfy Launches Partner Program to Expand Identity Verification Services
iDenfy has launched a new Partner Program to expand its market reach and offer revenue-sharing opportunities to businesses promoting its identity verification solutions. Partners gain access to iDenfy’s KYC, AML, and KYB tools, including AI-powered document verification, biometric analysis with liveness detection, and flexible API integration. The program targets financial institutions, e-commerce platforms, tech firms, and consultants, providing marketing resources, technical training, and dedicated support. The launch follows iDenfy’s recent innovations in hybrid address verification and automated KYB for sole proprietors.
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April 16, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
