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:
EU’s New Border Control Systems Set for 2025 Launch, Dover Chief Confirms November Timeline
The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now expected to launch in November 2025, with final confirmation from the European Commission anticipated by April or May. The system will replace manual passport stamping with electronic registration of biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area for short stays. Initially, EES will operate at 10 percent of border crossings in each member state, with passport stamping continuing during the transition period. Travelers will need to exit vehicles at ports for biometric registration, with data remaining valid for three years or until passport renewal. The Port of Dover is expanding infrastructure to accommodate the changes, though officials warn of possible traffic delays.
Revolut Launches in Ukraine with Diia Integration, Special Edition Clear Sky Card
Revolut has launched its services in Ukraine, integrating with the country’s digital identity platform Diia to streamline customer onboarding and identity verification. Ukrainian residents can now open European Revolut accounts directly through Diia, gaining access to multi-currency accounts, competitive foreign exchange rates, free peer-to-peer transfers, and both virtual and physical debit cards. As part of the launch, Revolut introduced the Clear Sky VISA debit card, a transparent blue card symbolizing hope for peace. Since 2022, Revolut has processed over €1 billion in transfers to Ukraine. The expansion aligns with Ukraine’s digital transformation efforts, including Diia.City, which has attracted major technology firms integrating digital identity with financial services.
Deutsche Telekom and Scytáles to Develop EU Digital Wallet Age Verification System
The European Commission has selected Deutsche Telekom AG and Scytáles AB to develop a privacy-focused age verification solution for integration with the upcoming European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). The project aligns with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and broader digital strategy, which mandates digital identity wallet implementation by 2026. The solution will enable EU citizens to verify their age online without disclosing unnecessary personal data, ensuring compliance with privacy standards and accessibility requirements. Scytáles CEO Konstantin Papaxanthis emphasized the initiative’s role in the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy, while Deutsche Telekom’s T-Systems CEO Ferri Abolhassan highlighted its contribution to digital sovereignty and passwordless authentication. This milestone follows recent advancements in the EUDI Wallet, including new payment integration specifications, as the EU continues to strengthen its digital identity framework.
Prenetics Partners with Humanity Protocol, Launches $1.5M Crypto Strategic Reserve for Blockchain Healthcare Innovation
Prenetics Global Limited has partnered with Humanity Protocol to integrate genetic testing into decentralized identity verification and launched a Crypto Strategic Reserve for blockchain and healthcare innovation. The company is investing $1.5 million in digital assets, including $1 million in Humanity Protocol’s $H tokens and $250,000 each in Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL), with quarterly investment reviews. As an Identity Validator, Prenetics will use its CircleDNA service to issue blockchain-based Proof of Personhood credentials, leveraging zero-knowledge proofs for privacy protection. Prenetics also continues AI-driven early cancer detection trials with Insighta, operates the consumer health brand IM8, and runs sports distribution company Europa in the U.S.
Arkansas Expands Digital ID Program with New Law Allowing Digital Identification Cards
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed House Bill 1135 (HB1135) into law, expanding the state’s digital identification program to include digital identification cards alongside digital driver’s licenses. The law updates regulations for digital ID fees while maintaining voluntary participation. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration will oversee implementation, though specific timelines remain unannounced. The expansion enables residents to carry state-issued digital IDs on their smartphones while adhering to strict identity verification standards. Arkansas follows recent digital ID initiatives in Idaho and Illinois, reflecting a broader trend toward modernized identification systems. Key factors for success include privacy and security safeguards, accessibility for residents without smartphones, and broad acceptance across public and private sectors.
Biometrics Institute Report Calls for Unified UK Policy on Police Facial Recognition Use
The Biometrics Institute has released a report, “Members’ Viewpoints: The Use of Facial Recognition in Policing,” urging standardized nationwide regulations for facial recognition technology (FRT) in UK law enforcement. The report highlights public distrust of Live Facial Recognition (LFR), describing it as a “continuous police line-up,” and calls for greater transparency and oversight. It distinguishes between retrospective FRT for crime scene investigations and live deployments scanning public spaces in real-time. For retrospective use, it recommends aligning forensic integrity standards with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Independent testing from the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and NIST indicates minimal demographic bias in top-performing algorithms, though ongoing validation is advised. The Biometrics Institute’s Three Laws of Biometrics framework—prioritizing policy, then process, then technology—serves as a guideline for responsible deployment.
Ondato’s Age Verification Technology Gets NIST Certification, Demonstrates Low Bias Across Demographics
Ondato has received certification from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for its age estimation and verification technology following evaluation in NIST’s Face Analysis Technology Evaluation (FATE) program. The certification validates Ondato’s accuracy, reliability, and demographic consistency in facial age estimation, addressing concerns over bias and false positive rates. NIST’s assessment confirmed the system’s ability to process various image types, including mugshots, visa photos, and border crossing images, while maintaining low error rates. This follows Ondato’s prior approval from Germany’s Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM), further strengthening its compliance credentials. CEO Liudas Kanapienis emphasized that the certification underscores Ondato’s focus on security and innovation. The recognition comes amid growing adoption of digital identity verification across industries, with governments and businesses increasingly relying on validated solutions to meet regulatory requirements while safeguarding privacy and security.
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February 11, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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