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:
FaceTec Ships Irrefutable IDV to Users’ Phones with New Scan+Match App
FaceTec has launched the Scan+Match app for its UR Code solution, making identity verification widely accessible on Android and iOS. First introduced last September, UR Code embeds biographic and biometric data into a scannable QR code, allowing verification via FaceTec’s liveness detection and matching algorithms. The app enables anyone to scan a UR Code and confirm an identity in real time, while the system remains vendor-agnostic, allowing authorities to choose their preferred biometric algorithms. FaceTec is known for its 3D Liveness and Face Matching technology, which is backed up by a Spoof Bounty Program offering hundreds of thousands of dollars in rewards to would-be hackers.
Integrated Biometrics Expands Arizona Research Facility, Plans 50 Percent Staff Growth
Integrated Biometrics (IB) is expanding its Chandler, Arizona research facility by 25 percent and increasing its local workforce by at least 50 percent. The expansion includes a new experience center for demonstrating biometric technologies and applications. The South Carolina-based company, known for its fingerprint scanners and biometric system integration software, is focusing on recruiting engineers to support research and development. The facility will advance IB’s technology portfolio, including infant identification systems and contactless biometric applications. Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke welcomed the expansion, highlighting its impact on the local technology sector.
Australia Tests Hand Scan Technology for Age Verification as Part of Online Safety Push
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is evaluating Yoti’s hand scan-based age verification technology as part of broader efforts to protect minors online. The system uses artificial intelligence to estimate age based on hand characteristics without storing personal data. Yoti claims the technology achieves varying accuracy across age groups, with a margin of error of 2.19 years for ages 6-12, 1.5 years for ages 13-19, and 1.36 years for ages 20-60. The testing methodology has been validated by a UK government-approved auditor. This initiative aligns with Australia’s upcoming social media restrictions, which will ban users under 16 from accessing platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and X by the end of 2025, with YouTube receiving an exemption. The hand scan technology is still in testing, but its privacy-focused approach aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen digital identity infrastructure.
Pakistan’s ICT Administration Implements Biometric Verification for Stamp Papers to Combat Fraud
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has introduced a biometric verification system for stamp papers to enhance security and prevent fraud. The system attaches a biometric slip to each stamp paper, ensuring authentication for legal agreements, property transactions, rental agreements, and court petitions. Stamp vendors across the territory must comply with the new verification process. The initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation efforts, following the passage of the Digital Nation Act, which aims to modernize governance and identity systems. The move also follows NADRA’s recent enhancements to biometric security features in national identification documents. The system is currently being implemented across ICT, reinforcing the government’s push toward secure and digitized public services.
Signaturit Group to Acquire Validated ID, Expanding European Digital Trust Services Portfolio
Signaturit Group plans to acquire Barcelona-based Validated ID to strengthen its position in the European digital trust services sector. The merger comes amid rising demand for secure digital transactions, aligning with recent policy discussions on e-signatures as critical enablers of digital transactions. Signaturit CEO Juan Zamora emphasized that combining the company’s capabilities with Validated ID’s expertise will enhance offerings in electronic signatures, digital identity verification, and secure document management. The acquisition expands Signaturit’s presence in Spain and supports growth into new European markets. The deal coincides with ongoing developments in European digital identity frameworks, including the transition from eIDAS to the proposed EUDI wallet system.
DocuSign Launches 24/7 Remote Notarization Service
DocuSign has launched Notary On-Demand, a remote online notarization service available across all U.S. states. The platform integrates with DocuSign’s e-signature system and includes identity verification features, secure audio-video technology, and digital audit trails. Each notarization session is recorded for compliance. DocuSign reports that 69 percent of organizations have experienced increased fraud attempts, with 53 percent incurring annual costs exceeding $1 million due to identity-related fraud. Notary On-Demand enables rapid matching between signers and notaries in under one minute and supports a range of legal documents, including powers of attorney, affidavits, and loan agreements. Vantage West Credit Union has reported a 20 percent reduction in home equity line of credit processing time using the service.
Raonsecure and MONITORAPP Partner on Zero Trust Cloud Security
Raonsecure and MONITORAPP have formed a strategic partnership to enhance zero trust cloud security solutions. The collaboration integrates Raonsecure’s TouchEn OnePass passwordless multi-factor authentication with MONITORAPP’s AIWAF-VE virtual web application firewall to strengthen security for web applications and APIs in cloud environments. The partnership aligns with Raonsecure’s recent major contracts, including its selection for South Korea’s National Tax Service authentication system and a $2.7 million biometric authentication deal with Japan’s Sumishin SBI Net Bank. The combined solution follows zero trust principles, requiring continuous verification of users, devices, and applications accessing network resources. While initially focused on the South Korean market, the companies plan to expand globally.
UNDP and ADB Pledge Support for Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation at DPI Summit 2025
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have pledged support for Sri Lanka’s digital transformation initiatives at the Sri Lanka Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy, the summit focused on leveraging digital public infrastructure for economic growth and inclusion. Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne outlined Sri Lanka’s goal of building a $15 billion digital economy by 2030, aiming to make public services universally accessible online. The support package includes technical assistance, development of a civil registration and vital statistics system, digital public services implementation, and digital inclusion efforts. UNDP and ADB officials emphasized the importance of DPI in Sri Lanka’s development strategy. The country is also exploring open-source digital identity solutions inspired by India’s Aadhaar system.
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February 6, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
