ID Tech Digest – August 26, 2025

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:

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NAB Introduces Biometric Checks for Online Banking Under Scam-Safe Accord

National Australia Bank will begin using biometric checks for new online accounts in line with the Scam-Safe Accord, a $100 million industry initiative requiring banks to add biometric verification by the end of 2024. NAB is also part of BioCatch Trust Australia, using behavioral biometrics to detect scams, and its Ubank subsidiary has already seen a 70% drop in password-related support cases after deploying passkeys.

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Alaska Airlines Expands Optional Facial Recognition Bag Drop at Sea-Tac and Portland

Alaska Airlines has deployed optional facial recognition bag-drop kiosks at Seattle-Tacoma and Portland airports as part of a lobby modernization project set to finish in 2026. The system verifies passenger identity by matching a live facial image to ID photos, with images deleted after use. Executives say the goal is to cut check-in times to five minutes or less, while the initiative reflects broader biometric adoption across the aviation industry.

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Met Police Cite Facial Recognition in Crime Reduction at 2025 Notting Hill Carnival

The Metropolitan Police reported 423 arrests at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, including 52 made using live facial recognition. Officials say serious violent incidents dropped compared to 2024, though civil liberties groups criticized the surveillance. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a legal challenge over potential bias and privacy risks, while academics remain divided on whether current systems are truly free from demographic bias.

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Experian Partners with Incode to Strengthen AI-Powered Fraud Prevention

Experian has partnered with Incode Technologies to integrate its AI-based identity verification tools into the Ascend Platform and CrossCore suite, initially in North America. The deal follows Incode’s recent acquisition of AuthenticID, bolstering its ability to counter AI-driven threats such as deepfake fraud. The partnership will extend Experian’s fraud-prevention services to over 1,800 global clients across sectors including finance, healthcare, and automotive.

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OneFlip Attack Shows How a Single Bit Flip Can Backdoor AI and Biometric Systems

Researchers have demonstrated “OneFlip,” a Rowhammer-based attack that can backdoor AI models by flipping a single bit in memory. The method allows attackers to craft hidden triggers that force chosen outputs while leaving model accuracy intact, evading standard audits. Experts warn of particular risks for biometric systems, where compromised models could grant unauthorized access. While the exploit requires technical skill and system access, it underscores the need for hardware-level protections such as ECC memory and encoding-based defenses.

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Chicago Murder Trial Sparks Debate Over Reliability of Facial Recognition Evidence

Defense attorneys for Tony Robinson moved to suppress evidence tied to a facial recognition match in the 2021 killing of Anat Kimchi, arguing the technology’s reliability – especially for black men – is insufficient for arrests or convictions. Expert Dr. Latanya Sweeney backed concerns, while prosecutors said facial recognition was only one component alongside witnesses and physical evidence. The judge has not ruled, and the decision could influence how U.S. courts weigh facial recognition in criminal cases.

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By the ID Tech Editorial Team