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:
NEXT Biometrics Partners with Major Phone Maker on Full-Screen Fingerprint Tech
NEXT Biometrics has signed an NDA with a major smartphone industry player to develop a full-screen fingerprint sensor using its patented Active Thermal technology. The innovation enables secure fingerprint recognition across the entire display at a lower cost than existing systems like Face ID. NEXT aims to penetrate the premium smartphone market, targeting over 300 million devices, and is collaborating with display manufacturer Innolux to support integration. The move marks a strategic shift into mobile biometrics, building on the company’s deployments in ID programs and banking. Commercialization is targeted for 2027, with ongoing evaluations underway.
Arkansas Revises Digital ID Law After Court Strikes Down Age Verification Rules
Arkansas lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 611 to replace the blocked Social Media Safety Act, aiming to regulate minors’ access to online platforms while addressing constitutional concerns. The revised bill lowers the age threshold to 16, limits its scope to new accounts, bans algorithmic targeting of minors, and permits biometric or digital ID-based age verification. Companion bill SB 612 allows parents to sue platforms if harmful content affects their children, with penalties up to $10,000 per violation. The legislation complements Arkansas’s digital ID rollout and includes AI provisions taking effect in July 2026, while the main measures begin January 1, 2026.
Colorado House Passes Strict Facial Recognition Regulations for Government Use
Colorado’s House has passed the Facial Recognition Protections Bill, setting strict oversight requirements for state and local use of facial recognition, including transparency, NIST-aligned accuracy testing, and limits on data collection and retention. The bill now moves to the Senate alongside SB143, which would extend the moratorium on facial recognition in K–12 schools beyond July 2025, with limited exceptions. Lawmakers are also considering HB1130, expanding the Colorado Privacy Act to include stricter rules for biometric data, such as explicit consent and deletion timelines. Enforcement remains limited to state and local prosecutors, with no private right of action.
Thailand Launches Biometric System to Track Undocumented Migrant Workers
Thailand’s National Communicable Disease Committee has approved a new biometric system to monitor undocumented migrant workers, using fingerprint and facial recognition to generate digital identities. The initiative follows the country’s immigration system hitting capacity in February and is intended to support public health monitoring, labor regulation, and national security. Critics warn of potential surveillance overreach and inadequate safeguards, especially regarding Myanmar nationals. The system must comply with Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act amid broader biometric expansions in airports, SIM registration, and smart city projects.
South Africa Launches Multi-Agency Digital ID Platform to Transform Gov Services
South Africa has launched a multi-agency initiative to build an integrated digital identity platform, uniting SARS, the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, and Government Printing Works. Backed by the Digital Transformation of Government Roadmap, the system will provide a single biometric-based identity for citizens to access services, reducing fraud and inefficiencies. Features include facial and fingerprint authentication, AI-driven fraud detection, a new Electronic Travel Authorization system, and expanded Smart ID and passport services via banking platforms. The rollout targets 2.5 million digital IDs by end of 2025, with full digital transformation of Home Affairs set for 2029.
Russian Biometric Payment Transactions Surge to $331M as Adoption Grows
Biometric payments in Russia have reached 28 billion rubles ($331 million) in transaction volume, driven by state-backed expansion of facial and fingerprint recognition systems across banking, retail, and public services. Central to the rollout is the Unified Biometric System, now with over 3 million enrollees, though still below government targets. Sber Bank leads adoption with its “Smile Payment” service and plans to deploy up to 2 million biometric terminals by mid-2025. Despite growing urban use and rising consumer acceptance, privacy advocates warn of surveillance risks tied to centralized data and mandatory business participation. Nationwide coverage is targeted for 2026.
eConnect’s Facial Recognition Tech Achieves Genetec Security Integration
eConnect has achieved certification for integration with Genetec’s Security Center, enabling its facial recognition suite to operate within Genetec’s video surveillance and access control platform. The integration supports real-time biometric identification, facial match alerts, and metadata tagging, targeting sectors like gaming, hospitality, and retail. It follows eConnect’s earlier integration with Dallmeier and expands its presence across major security ecosystems. Both companies emphasize privacy-by-design compliance, offering configurable options to meet GDPR and CCPA requirements.
Trust Stamp Joins Mastercard Program to Scale Secure Identity Solutions
Trust Stamp Denmark has been selected for the 2025 Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV program, joining four other startups developing scalable solutions aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The company will focus on expanding its privacy-first biometric identity systems to support financial inclusion and humanitarian access. Trust Stamp’s patented anti-deepfake verification technology and D-seal certification highlight its commitment to ethical, interoperable digital ID solutions. The MASSIV program, run in partnership with the UNDP, provides mentorship and support to help startups improve the lives of one billion people by 2025 through sustainable, secure, and inclusive innovation.
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April 4, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
