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:
Advanced LiDAR System Could Enable Long-Range Facial Recognition, Biometric Detection
Researchers from Heriot-Watt University, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, MIT, and the University of Glasgow have developed a LiDAR system capable of capturing high-resolution 3D facial features and detecting human activity at distances of up to one kilometer. The system uses a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) with 13-picosecond timing precision, operating at a 1550-nanometer wavelength to ensure eye safety and minimize solar interference. Testing demonstrated effective performance in both daylight and darkness, as well as the ability to penetrate fog and smoke. This advancement addresses limitations in long-range biometric detection and could enhance security, perimeter surveillance, and search and rescue applications.
DIACC Opens Public Review of Law Society Profile for Pan-Canadian Trust Framework
The Digital ID & Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC) has launched a public review period for the Law Society Profile of the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF). This marks the first industry-specific profile under the framework, focusing on interoperability standards for identity services in Canada’s legal sector. The profile aims to support regulated lawyers in adopting digital trust services for remote client verification and fraud prevention. The review includes the PCTF Law Society Profile (Draft Recommendation V1.0) and the PCTF Glossary (Final Recommendation V1.1), with DIACC seeking feedback on conformance criteria auditability, compliance demonstration, and evidence requirements.
Credivera Acquires Oliu Technology Stack from ATB Ventures, Expanding IDV Capabilities
Credivera has entered a conditional agreement to acquire the Oliu technology stack from ATB Ventures, the innovation arm of ATB Financial, to enhance its digital identity verification capabilities. The acquisition supports Credivera’s growth in verifiable credential solutions and workforce management since its founding in 2018. The company, with offices in Toronto, Gatineau, and Calgary, recently gained acceptance into a Federal procurement program for digital wallet solutions. CEO Dan Giurescu emphasized that integrating Oliu’s technology will strengthen Credivera’s platform and reinforce its position in secure identity verification. ATB Financial, which manages $62.3 billion in assets, developed Oliu as part of its innovation initiatives.
Finland’s DVV Advances EU Digital Wallet Testing with Amadeus Travel Integration
Finland’s Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) is advancing its role in the EU Digital Wallet Consortium (EWC) as it prepares to pilot the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). The agency is serving as a wallet provider, managing Person Identification Data (PID), and acting as a PhotoID provider, positioning itself as a key player in Finland’s digital identity infrastructure. In collaboration with travel technology company Amadeus, DVV is testing a travel use case that enables online check-in using the EUDI Wallet. The pilot showcases selective disclosure capabilities, allowing users to share specific identification attributes while maintaining privacy. The project is part of a €46 million EU-funded initiative under the Digital Europe Programme, with full implementation targeted for 2026.
Nigeria Immigration Service to Launches Online Passport Renewal System for European Diaspora
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a contactless passport renewal system for Nigerians in Europe, starting with the United Kingdom and Ireland. This digital initiative follows a similar rollout in Canada in late 2024 and enables eligible applicants to complete renewals entirely online, eliminating the need for in-person visits. The system allows passport renewals up to one year before expiration but does not apply to first-time applicants or minors, who must still follow traditional procedures. The service incorporates digital biometric capture technology, allowing applicants to submit biometric data via smartphones or computer webcams.
Seven Bank Japan Launches Face Cash: Facial Recognition ATM Service
Seven Bank has launched Face Cash, a biometric ATM service enabling customers to make deposits and withdrawals using facial recognition instead of cash cards or smartphones. The service, which went live on February 6, is initially available to customers of Seven Bank and Shizuoka Bank at Seven Bank ATMs across Japan. This development reflects a broader trend of biometric adoption in Japan’s financial sector, following implementations such as Family Mart’s Face Pass system and NEC’s biometric payment technology for the upcoming Osaka Kansai Expo 2025. While currently limited to two banks, Face Cash enhances security and customer convenience in banking transactions.
Georgia Expands Surveillance Network Amid Privacy and Security Concerns
A report from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Tbilisi bureau highlights Georgia’s expanded surveillance infrastructure, raising privacy and security concerns. The country has increased surveillance camera deployment, particularly in protest areas, alongside new legal amendments tightening restrictions on public assemblies. While the government claims facial recognition is only used at airports and borders through an EU-funded NEC system, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reportedly employs tools from Papillon Systems, a company linked to Russian intelligence. Most cameras are manufactured by Hikvision and Dahua Technology, Chinese firms under U.S. sanctions and banned in multiple countries. Neotech, Hikvision’s distributor in Georgia, supplies major cities including Tbilisi, Rustavi, and Gori. Security experts warn of vulnerabilities, with an IT specialist stating that 70-80 percent of government agencies use hackable Chinese surveillance cameras.
Yuno Launches Mastercard Payment Passkey Service in Latin America
Yuno has launched the Mastercard Payment Passkey Service in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile to enhance secure digital payments and combat rising e-commerce fraud in Latin America. The service replaces traditional one-time passwords with biometric authentication and tokenization, reducing vulnerabilities to phishing and SIM-swapping attacks. Users authenticate transactions via fingerprint or facial recognition, with card data protected through tokenization and Click to Pay integration. The initiative aligns with Mastercard’s broader strategy to phase out passwords and manual card entry by 2030. Brazilian events platform Sympla is among the first adopters, responding to strong regional demand, as 85 percent of Latin American consumers prefer biometric authentication. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Tiger Global, Yuno plans to expand its payment orchestration services to Europe, Asia, and the United States, following Mastercard’s successful passkey rollouts in India, Singapore, and the UAE in 2024.
Sacramento International Airport Launches Mobile Driver’s License Verification at TSA Checkpoints
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) now accepts California mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) for TSA identity verification, joining a growing number of U.S. airports implementing digital ID technology. Travelers can add their California mDL to a digital wallet and present it at TSA checkpoints using Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) units. These units capture a live photo of the traveler and use facial matching technology to compare it against the mDL’s stored image while verifying flight status and screening designations. TSA officials emphasize that the technology enhances security and efficiency while maintaining privacy protections. CAT-2 photos are not stored, and travelers can opt out of facial matching in favor of manual ID checks.
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February 7, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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