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:
Janam Adds Wicket Facial Biometrics to XT4 and GTX Mobile Computers for Secure Event Access
Janam Technologies has integrated Wicket’s facial authentication platform into its XT4 and GTX rugged mobile computers, enabling biometric identity verification for ticketed events, VIP areas, and staff access points. The devices now combine facial recognition with barcode, QR, and NFC wallet pass verification, and can be deployed without wired connections or complex setups. Wicket’s technology was recently used at the Australian Open and won the top award at the 2025 Golfweek Tech Lab. Privacy is maintained by storing no biometric data on the devices.
Mexico Opens Tender for Biometric CURP Platform Ahead of 2026 Nationwide Rollout
Mexico has issued a public tender to operate and migrate the IT platform supporting its new biometric CURP, a mandatory national ID system launching by February 2026 for citizens and legal residents. The platform, slated to be operational by October 15, 2025, will store photo, fingerprint, and iris data in a secure QR code. From October 16, all authorities must accept the biometric CURP, with school enrollment requirements beginning November 14. The system will link to existing databases for use in services like banking, healthcare, and education.
Massachusetts Bill Seeks Ban on In-Store Biometric Pricing and Product Suggestions
The Massachusetts House has advanced bill H.99, which would prohibit grocery stores from using biometric data to adjust prices or make in-store product suggestions based on facial, fingerprint, or other biometric scans collected on-site. The legislation, supported by privacy advocates, is aimed at preventing “surveillance pricing” before it becomes widespread. While such systems are not yet in use in Massachusetts, major retailers have trialed them elsewhere. The bill has passed its second reading and would create some of the strongest state-level retail biometric protections if enacted.
HID Debuts Facial Recognition and Passwordless Authentication at Sydney Security Conference
At the Security Exhibition & Conference 2025 in Sydney, HID unveiled the Amico facial recognition reader, OMNIKEY SE Plug portable reader, and new FIDO-enabled credentials powered by its Enterprise Passkey Management platform. The solutions target high-security environments such as government, healthcare, and corporate offices, offering optional on-card biometric storage and device-bound passkeys for privacy. HID says these products integrate with existing identity systems and support mobile and hybrid workforces.
Veridas Appoints Anders Hartington to Lead Brazil and Southern Cone Operations
Veridas has named Anders Hartington as Regional Leader for Brazil and the Southern Cone, part of its strategy to expand in Latin America. Hartington brings over 20 years of industry experience and will oversee growth in markets where Veridas already has clients, including River Plate’s stadium in Argentina and Chile’s ANFP. Founded in 2017 as a joint venture between BBVA and das-Nano, Veridas offers facial and voice biometrics, document verification, and passkey-based access, and recently launched its identity verification platform on Google Cloud Marketplace.
Google Extends Android Identity Check to Enforce Biometric-Only App Access Outside Trusted Locations
Google’s upcoming Android 16 QPR2 update will expand the Identity Check feature to require biometric-only authentication for any app using the system biometric prompt when the device is outside trusted locations. The change removes PIN, pattern, and password fallback in these scenarios, enhancing protection against theft. The update, expected in December 2025, will also roll out a biometric setting for Chrome’s password autofill and builds on Google’s earlier Android Enterprise security enhancements.
Meta Tests Facial Recognition to Detect and Remove Celebrity Scam Content
Meta is piloting facial recognition technology to identify scams that misuse celebrity likenesses on Facebook and Instagram, a limited return to the technology after ending its broader Face Recognition program in 2021. The system compares suspected scam images—especially ads—against official public-figure profile photos, with facial data deleted immediately after matching. Trials are underway in select markets, including South Korea, with expansion based on regulatory feedback.
NEXT Biometrics Secures First Large-Scale FAP 30 Granite Order from Indian OEM
NEXT Biometrics has received a NOK 3.2 million order from an Indian OEM for its new FAP 30 Granite fingerprint sensor, with deliveries beginning in Q4 2025. Launched in June 2025, Granite features a 67% larger scanning area than the FAP 20 model and is aimed at high-security applications such as national ID and banking. The deal follows a NOK 6.3 million order for FAP 20 Basalt L1 Slim sensors and marks progress in India after delays in the Aadhaar program.
Illinois Plans Late 2025 Launch for Apple Wallet IDs
Illinois will enable residents to add state IDs and driver’s licenses to Apple Wallet by late 2025, joining 11 jurisdictions already live with the feature. The mobile ID will work at more than 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide and require Face ID or Touch ID for use. Device requirements include an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16.5 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.5 or later. The program will complement, not replace, physical IDs.
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
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