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:
Civil Liberties MEPs Endorse Phased EES Rollout
The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee has approved a phased rollout of the EU’s biometric Entry-Exit System (EES), set to begin in October 2025. The system, which replaces passport stamps with digital records including facial and fingerprint biometrics, will track non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area. Member states must meet specific adoption benchmarks over 180 days, though early full deployment is allowed. The rollout avoids peak travel seasons and includes a suspension clause in case of major disruptions. EES delays have pushed back the launch of ETIAS until late 2026.
Ghana Launches Nationwide E-Passport Program with Reduced Fees
Ghana will fully launch its chip-based electronic passport system on April 28, 2025, introducing e-passports with biometric and microchip security in line with ICAO 9303 standards. The rollout includes over 100 anti-fraud features, nationwide service decentralization, 24-hour passport offices, home delivery, and electronic tracking. A proposed 30 percent fee reduction is pending parliamentary approval. The e-passports integrate with the Ghana Card and NIA systems for seamless identity verification. Production is led by local firm Biometric Travel Solutions Ltd and Hungary’s ANY Security Printing under a Build-Operate-Transfer model. Current passports remain valid until 2030.
NIST Updates Privacy Framework to Address AI Risks and Security Gaps
NIST has released a draft of Privacy Framework version 1.1, its first update since 2020, to better align with the revised Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0) and address emerging privacy risks, especially from AI. The update retains the original structure but adds a dedicated section on AI privacy risks and moves user guidance to an online format. Public comments are open through June 13, 2025. NIST encourages use of the framework alongside its AI Risk Management Framework to address the increasing overlap between AI and privacy concerns.
Philippines Privacy Agency Seeks Public Input on Biometric Data Rules
The Philippine National Privacy Commission has launched a public consultation to shape upcoming rules on biometric data processing, including use, storage, deletion, and consent protocols. The effort aims to strengthen privacy safeguards amid widespread adoption of biometric authentication across digital ID, banking, telecom, and government services. It follows the rollout of over 84 million National IDs and rising concerns about data accuracy, access, and security. The guidelines will reinforce the Data Privacy Act and inform policy updates as lawmakers consider amendments to clarify biometric definitions and penalties for misuse.
TSA Pushes REAL ID Adoption as Deadline Looms
Beginning May 7, 2025, all U.S. domestic air travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant license or an alternative TSA-accepted form of identification to pass through airport security. These include passports, permanent resident cards, or enhanced driver’s licenses. REAL ID licenses feature a star or emblem and require in-person application with specific documents. With the deadline fast approaching, TSA and state agencies are ramping up outreach, especially in areas like California, Missouri, and U.S. territories. Travelers lacking compliant ID risk delays or denial of boarding. TSA emphasizes there will be no further extensions.
Raptor Adds AI Facial Recognition to School Safety Platform in Tech Upgrade
Raptor Technologies will integrate Ipsotek’s AI-powered facial recognition and video analytics into its school safety platform starting May 2025, enabling real-time threat detection and automated emergency response via Raptor Alert. A second integration with Scylla adds capabilities such as weapon detection and behavioral threat analysis. These tools require active Raptor Alert subscriptions and proper system setup. While Raptor stresses compliance with FERPA and limits facial recognition to non-student watchlists, growing legal scrutiny—including bans in some U.S. states—could impact adoption. The features will be available to Raptor’s 60,000+ school clients globally.
New Encrypted Facial Recognition Tech Promises Privacy-First Biometrics
CryptoLab will debut its Encrypted Facial Recognition (EFR) system at RSA Conference 2025, offering real-time facial recognition powered by Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) using the CKKS algorithm. EFR enables biometric processing without decrypting sensitive data, maintaining privacy even during computation and aligning with post-quantum security standards. Capable of handling millions of templates with GPU acceleration, it targets high-traffic environments like airports and smart cities. The solution supports GDPR compliance and avoids plaintext biometric storage, addressing growing concerns over privacy in facial recognition systems. EFR will be available for enterprise licensing following its launch.
UT Austin Student Government Proposes Switch to Digital Campus ID Cards
UT Austin’s Student Government is advancing a proposal to implement digital student IDs accessible via smartphones or smartwatches, aiming to replace physical ID cards for campus access and event entry. The initiative, currently under committee review, is scheduled for a vote on April 28 and could launch as early as fall 2025, pending university approval and infrastructure upgrades. The proposal is part of a broader modernization effort that includes bills for a searchable online legislation platform and a newsletter for Student Government alumni, reflecting a focus on digital tools, transparency, and institutional continuity.
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April 24, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
