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:
Pakistan Launches Digital Nation Act to Establish National Digital Identity System
Pakistan has introduced the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, establishing a national digital identity system to enhance government service delivery and streamline citizen interactions with public departments. The system integrates with existing government databases, reducing the need for physical visits to offices and incorporating security measures to protect personal data. The act also emphasizes collaboration with the private sector and modernization of institutions like the Pakistan Post Office. While promising improved efficiency and accessibility, the system raises important considerations around privacy and data security, echoing challenges faced by similar initiatives globally.
22 U.S. States Challenge Clearview AI’s Proposed Privacy Settlement
Twenty-two U.S. states and Washington, D.C., have opposed a proposed settlement in a privacy lawsuit against Clearview AI over alleged violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The settlement, preliminarily approved by a federal judge, would grant claimants a share of Clearview’s potential future value instead of direct monetary compensation. Valued at over $50 million, including $20 million in attorney fees, the agreement covers individuals whose biometric data was collected since 2017 but does not admit wrongdoing.
Norway Seeks e-Gate Info for Automated Border Control in 2025
Norwegian Police Shared Services (PFT) has issued a Request for Information for Automated Border Control e-Gates, aiming to modernize the country’s border control infrastructure with a formal procurement process planned for early 2025. The RFI seeks input on technical integration capabilities, particularly API compatibility with the Norwegian Police National Border Control System, emphasizing interoperability and alignment with European standards for facial recognition and document verification technologies. The initiative targets deployment in the Viken region and adheres to EU Directive 2014/24/EU and the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). Interested parties must request additional information by January 9, 2025, with a formal contract notice expected on February 17, 2025.
Italy Announces EU’s First Digital Identity Wallet, Beta Testing Set for 2025
Italy has announced plans to launch the EU’s first Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet), with beta testing set for 2025. The wallet aligns with the European Commission’s strategy for a unified cross-border digital identity system, employing Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs) for secure and decentralized identity management. Initial testing will begin in a public beta environment named “PLAYGROUND,” allowing issuers and verifiers to evaluate system capabilities. The rollout also includes a BetaID program for real-world application integration. The project incorporates payment functionalities developed under the NOBID Consortium’s Work Package 7, enabling digital payments for both in-store and online transactions.
Continental to Showcase Biometric Vehicle Access System at CES 2025
Continental plans to showcase its “Intelligent Vehicle Experience Car” at CES 2025, featuring biometric technology for touch-free vehicle access and interaction. The system uses facial and movement recognition to unlock doors, start the engine, or open the tailgate for authorized users, while identifying unauthorized individuals and triggering alerts for security. The solution integrates Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) with external feedback mechanisms to anticipate user intentions through gestures and eye movements, enhancing safety and convenience. It combines AI algorithms with sensors like 360-degree cameras and ultra-wideband radar, supporting over-the-air updates for functionality enhancements.
RaonSecure Wins $2.7M Biometric Authentication Contract with Japanese Digital Bank
South Korean cybersecurity firm RaonSecure has secured a $2.7 million contract with Japan’s Sumishin SBI Net Bank to implement its TouchEn OnePass biometric authentication solution. The deal expands RaonSecure’s presence in Japan and represents seven percent of its previous year’s revenue. TouchEn OnePass, which supports passwordless authentication under FIDO standards, will strengthen the bank’s digital banking security infrastructure. Sumishin SBI Net Bank, a joint venture of SBI Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, serves 7.7 million customers and is a leader in Japan’s fintech sector, adopting technologies like blockchain-based financial services.
LinkedIn Partners with Identity Digital on Premium Perks
LinkedIn has partnered with Identity Digital to offer Premium members enhanced online identity tools through the Premium Perks Program. This includes access to custom domain names, professional websites, and matching email addresses via Name.com, Identity Digital’s registrar. Premium users can use specialized domain extensions like .fyi, .pro, and .careers, starting with a three-month free trial. These tools aim to help professionals create discoverable and engaging digital identities, reflecting LinkedIn’s broader focus on identity verification and platform trust.
Iran Implements Biometric Surveillance System to Track Afghan Migrants
Iran has introduced biometric testing measures, including fingerprint and iris scanning, to identify unauthorized foreign nationals, focusing primarily on Afghan migrants. These systems are deployed at border checkpoints and other locations as part of Iran’s expanding digital identity infrastructure, which began integrating multimodal biometrics in 2019. Iranian officials cite security and resource concerns as key drivers behind these measures, which also include constructing border walls to curb unauthorized entry. While Iran hosts the largest population of Afghan migrants globally, these policies have intensified challenges for Afghan nationals, limiting access to housing, employment, and increasing deportation risks.
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December 16, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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