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:
New York State Launches Mobile Digital ID System for Age Verification at Bars and Restaurants
New York State has enabled mobile digital IDs (MiD) as an approved form of age verification for bars and restaurants, following guidance from the New York State Liquor Authority. Developed by the state’s DMV, the system allows users to present identification through a secure smartphone app that generates QR codes for verification via encrypted Bluetooth, eliminating the need for physical ID handoffs or internet access. While optional for the state’s 59,000 liquor license holders, MiD offers security features to prevent fake IDs and streamline verification processes. Available at no cost to residents with valid state IDs, MiD also prioritizes privacy by preventing tracking or data retrieval by the state.
Switzerland Unveils Technical Framework for National Digital ID System and E-Wallet
Switzerland has announced key technical decisions for its national electronic identity (E-ID) system and Federal Electronic Wallet initiative during a public Participation Meeting. The system will employ DID:webvh for Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), enabling citizen-controlled digital identifiers, and Verifiable Credentials (VCs) for secure identity information sharing. Using SD-JWT technology, it allows selective disclosure of identity attributes while protecting user privacy. The initiative includes OpenID4VCI and OpenID4VP protocols for standardized credential issuance and verification, ensuring interoperability with European digital identity projects. The Federal Electronic Wallet, SWIYU, will manage and present digital credentials. Implementation begins in Q1 2025 with a public beta environment, “PLAYGROUND,” and a BetaID program for real-world testing, including an eLFA learner’s driving license Proof of Concept.
Nigeria Launches $83M Tender for National Digital ID System Modernization
Nigeria has issued an $83 million tender for the modernization of its National Identity Management System (NIMS) as part of its digital identity program. The tender seeks a System Integrator to implement a Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) with components such as Automated Biometric Identification Systems (ABIS), a Government Relationship Management system, and a secondary Disaster Recovery Center. Tasks include data migration, biometric enrollment kit integration, and staff training for the National Identity Management Commission. The project, supported by World Bank funding, aims to enhance public service access and financial inclusion. The tender, listed on the EU’s TED platform, closes on February 3, 2025.
Facial Recognition in Spotlight as Police Arrest UnitedHealthcare Shooting Suspect
The arrest of a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has drawn attention to the potential role of facial recognition technology in police work. Thompson was shot in New York City on December 4th, and police released security footage of the suspect’s partially obscured face the same day. Interviewed on CNN, Donnie Scott, CEO of IDEMIA North America, commented on the technology’s capabilities, noting that high-quality images like those released could yield matches if the suspect’s image exists in law enforcement databases. He explained that facial recognition narrows down potential matches for human experts to verify, emphasizing its role as an investigative aid. Scott also highlighted its use in tracking suspects across multiple video streams, which can speed up investigations significantly.
Malaysia to Expand Airport Automation with QR-Enabled Facial Recognition Gates
Malaysia’s Immigration Department is upgrading automated immigration clearance at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and klia2 with 40 new autogates integrating QR code and facial recognition technologies. These enhanced gates will reduce processing times to under five seconds, down from 10-15 seconds, and expand access to citizens from 63 countries, marking a significant upgrade from the original system serving only Malaysians. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated the procurement process would conclude within three weeks, aligning with Malaysia’s preparations for chairing ASEAN next year. Security measures ensure gates only operate after travelers’ information is verified in the system, preventing unauthorized access.
KakaoBank’s Digital Certificate Service Hits 15 Million Users in South Korea
KakaoBank’s digital certificate service has reached 15 million users in South Korea less than two years after its launch. The service enables secure identity verification, financial transactions, and electronic signatures through the KakaoBank mobile app. Widely adopted by major public platforms like the National Tax Service, Government24, and the National Pension Service, as well as private companies such as Gmarket and Melon, the certificate reflects South Korea’s shift away from traditional authentication methods toward modern digital identity solutions. Starting in January, KakaoBank certificates will streamline authentication for the National Tax Service’s year-end tax settlement service, offering a simplified login option for taxpayers.
UK to Launch Digital ID Age Verification for Alcohol Sales in 2025
The United Kingdom plans to implement digital ID verification for alcohol purchases in pubs and clubs by 2025. Certified digital ID apps will allow users to prove they are over 18 using QR codes or contactless technology. Developed under the government’s digital identity trust framework, the system aligns with initiatives like GOV.UK One Login, which supports 50 government services. Staff training and system integration will be required, with traditional IDs remaining valid. The initiative builds on the rollout of digital age verification in cinemas and aims to streamline age checks while protecting privacy.
AU10TIX Partners with FreightValidate to Combat $35B Cargo Theft Crisis
AU10TIX has partnered with FreightValidate to combat cargo theft, which costs the U.S. economy up to $35 billion annually. The partnership targets fraudulent carriers impersonating legitimate companies by deploying AU10TIX’s real-time biometric and document verification technology, AI-driven fraud detection, and API integration. These measures aim to reduce theft, streamline verification, and enhance client security. FreightValidate founder Dale Prax highlighted the importance of these enhancements in protecting client shipments, while AU10TIX CEO Dan Yerushalmi emphasized the broader mission to combat fraud across industries.
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December 10, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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