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:
SIA Tracks ‘Democratization of Identity’ in 2025 Security Megatrends Report
The Security Industry Association’s (SIA) “2025 Security Megatrends” report highlights the increasing integration of biometric technology and digital ID solutions into security systems. Biometrics are gaining prominence in access control and authentication, offering inherent, secure identity verification that eliminates the risks of lost or stolen credentials. Mobile credentials are also emerging, replacing traditional access cards with digital alternatives stored on smartphones, supported by platforms like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. While initial infrastructure costs remain a challenge, mobile ID solutions streamline processes and lower long-term expenses.
Trinsic Sells Decentralized ID Platform to Dentity, Shifts Focus to Identity Acceptance Network
Trinsic has sold its decentralized ID platform to Dentity, a long-time partner, as it pivots to focus on its Identity Acceptance Network. Launched in 2019, Trinsic’s platform served over 100 paying customers and 5,000 developers, but CEO Riley Hughes cited growth challenges tied to customer execution. Dentity, under CEO Jeffrey Schwartz, has processed millions of IDs and built a significant client base, making it well-positioned to acquire Trinsic’s assets. Trinsic will now concentrate on its Acceptance Network, which has expanded to nearly 100 million users by partnering with mobile driver’s licenses, eID apps, and decentralized ID wallets.
Keyless Brings Privacy-focused Authentication Solution to Microsoft Azure Marketplace
Keyless has launched its privacy-preserving facial biometrics solution on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, integrating with Microsoft Azure Active Directory B2C and Microsoft Entra ID. The solution offers passive liveness detection and processes authentication in under 300 milliseconds without storing biometric data locally or in the cloud. Instead, it fragments biometric data into “shards,” enhancing privacy and ensuring compliance with GDPR and other regulations. Organizations can allocate Azure Marketplace purchases toward their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment.
Philippine Government Leverages Blockchain Platform in Budgeting Operations
The blockchain platform Prismo has launched its $PRSM gas token, focusing on accountability and government applications. Currently used by the Department of Budget and Management to secure budget documents, the platform aligns with the country’s push for digital transformation and integrates with digital identity initiatives like eVerify. $PRSM token issuance requires identity verification via Gitcoin Passport, involving government IDs, social media accounts, and biometrics. A test network is planned for late 2024, with a mainnet launch expected in Q1 2025, complementing ongoing nationwide biometric system rollouts.
Texas AG Expands Privacy Investigations into Major Tech Platforms, Targeting Data Collection from Minors
The Texas Attorney General’s office has launched investigations into Character.AI, Reddit, Instagram, and Discord for compliance with the state’s Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA). These efforts expand Texas’s privacy enforcement following its $1.4 billion settlement with Meta over Facebook’s unauthorized biometric data collection under the Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI). The current investigations focus on platforms’ handling of minors’ personal data, particularly the sharing or sale of such data without parental consent. Under SCOPE, companies must secure parental permission before disclosing minors’ data and provide privacy management tools.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Citizens to Enter Kosovo with Biometric IDs Starting 2025
Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens will be able to travel to Kosovo using biometric ID cards instead of passports starting January 1, 2025. The new policy applies to ICAO 9303-compliant ID cards, which feature embedded chips storing personal and biometric data, including facial biometrics and fingerprints. This policy aligns with regional initiatives like the Open Balkan project and EU standards, promoting cross-border movement while ensuring security. The streamlined process is expected to boost cross-border travel for tourism and business, reflecting trends from similar agreements in the Western Balkans. The change also supports broader regional integration under the Berlin Process, which aims to simplify travel while maintaining secure verification protocols.
Apple Wallet Digital ID Support Expands to 10 US Regions, Including Puerto Rico
Apple Wallet now supports digital driver’s licenses and state IDs in 10 locations across the United States and territories, with New Mexico and Puerto Rico being the latest additions. This expansion marks a significant step in adopting mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) that comply with ISO 18013 standards. The full list of participating regions includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, and Puerto Rico—the first U.S. territory to join. While mDLs are accepted at TSA checkpoints and select retailers for age verification, they are not yet recognized by law enforcement or government agencies, requiring users to carry physical IDs.
–
December 13, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
Follow Us