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:
Honduras Launches “Bien” Super-App on TECH5 Biometric Infrastructure
Honduras has launched its “Bien” super-app, a national digital ID platform built on TECH5 infrastructure that consolidates major legal credentials into a single digital wallet. The app supports National ID Cards, Driver’s Licenses, Foreign Resident IDs and Firearms Permits, all anchored to biometric databases from the civil registry and immigration authorities. It uses T5-OmniTrust for credential lifecycle management and T5-Cryptograph for offline verification. Onboarding uses T5-AirSnap for contactless biometrics, aligning with W3C Verifiable Credentials. Supported by a $40 million World Bank modernization loan, the system is designed for future digital payments and secure document signing.
Nigeria Formally Rolls Out ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card
Nigeria has launched the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, completing a regional initiative to replace legacy documents with a standardized chip-based credential. The card functions as both a national ID and a travel document within the ECOWAS bloc. Officials say the rollout supports border management, security operations and digital financial services, with private-sector integration expected for payments and KYC. The Nigeria Immigration Service will issue and manage the card. The program follows the opening of a new immigration technology complex in Abuja and arrives amid shifting regional identity dynamics as some Sahel nations introduce separate systems.
Nigeria Plans Single-Entry Emergency Biometric Passport for Citizens Abroad
Nigeria is preparing to introduce the Single Travel Emergency Passport, a secure one-way biometric document for citizens abroad who have lost or damaged their passports. The STEP passport will be issued through embassies and consulates and is intended only for travel back to Nigeria. Authorities say a digital-first version will launch in January 2026, enabling stranded citizens to apply online. The initiative complements upgrades such as contactless biometric passport applications and the new ECOWAS biometric ID card. Officials say the combined reforms aim to improve migration management and streamline services for Nigerians overseas.
Namirial Secures Early ETSI TS 119 461 Certification Under eIDAS 2
Namirial’s Onboarding platform has been certified under Article 24 of eIDAS 2 and ETSI TS 119 461, making it one of the first solutions to meet Europe’s new remote identity-proofing requirements. The certification covers hybrid and fully automated workflows, including NFC-enabled document reading, national eID integration and future compatibility with European Digital Identity Wallets. It also includes presentation attack detection and injection-attack detection features. Namirial says many existing identity verification flows will require upgrades to reach the high assurance level needed for qualified trust services ahead of the May 2026 deadline, with early certification reducing compliance risk.
Malaysia Pushes MyDigital ID via Telco Integration to Combat Scam Calls
Malaysia is developing a framework to link MyDigital ID with SIM registration in cooperation with major telcos, aiming to reduce fraudulent calls and poorly documented mobile subscriptions. Officials suggest binding verified digital identity to phone numbers could limit anonymous lines used in phishing and cross-border fraud operations. The MyDigital ID credential will remain voluntary, with incentives expected to drive uptake. Civil society groups have raised privacy concerns, but authorities say detailed rules are still under consultation. The initiative builds on rising MyDigital ID adoption and complements telco-based verification tools such as Maxis’s Mobile Identity service.
Russia Begins Large-Scale Border Biometric Collection for Foreigners
Russia has expanded its biometric data collection program for foreign citizens and stateless persons entering the country, beginning a multi-year pilot focused on major airports and select land crossings. Biometric capture began December 1, 2025, at airports including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky, with exemptions for Belarusian citizens, children under six, diplomatic personnel and certain visa holders. The pilot runs until June 30, 2026, building on an earlier trial. Authorities describe the effort as part of border modernisation, coinciding with broader proposals for digital profiles of foreign nationals and nationwide biometric checks introduced in June 2025.
Coupang Pivots to Passkeys in Taiwan as 33.7M Accounts Exposed in Korea
Coupang is deploying passkey-based authentication in Taiwan while responding to a major data breach affecting 33.7 million South Korean customer accounts. The breach, active between June and November 2025, involved unauthorized access tokens that exposed personal information including names, phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses and order histories. Korean authorities have launched an investigation into regulatory compliance. In Taiwan, Coupang has implemented a FIDO-compliant biometric login system and received government recognition as a “Friendly E-Commerce Company.” The company positions Taiwan as a key growth market while strengthening authentication to prevent attacks enabled by legacy credential models.
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team