ID Tech Digest – January 10, 2025

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:

DHS Extends Deadline for RFI on Latent Fingerprint System

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended its Request for Information (RFI) deadline for a new AWS cloud-based latent fingerprint system from January 10 to January 17, 2025. The system, under the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM), will support DHS’s biometric capabilities, including managing two extensive fingerprint galleries containing millions of identities with significant annual growth. The proposed system must process up to 100 latent searches per hour and support a growing Unsolved Latent File (ULF), which will allow reverse fingerprint searches. Key requirements include thresholding for accuracy, a user-friendly graphical interface for examiners, and interoperability with third-party tools.

Trump’s Pick for DHS Secretary Brings History of Biometrics, Hi-tech Support

Incoming President Donald Trump’s nominee for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, may bolster biometric technology initiatives. Noem’s record includes allocating $3.5 million to modernize South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation system, improving integration with federal biometric databases. This aligns with DHS’s existing efforts to enhance biometric programs for border security, fraud detection, and identity verification, including smartphone-based and remote applications. Under her leadership, South Dakota has also advanced quantum computing and AI initiatives, including a $6 million proposal for a quantum science center addressing post-quantum security. These efforts suggest Noem could prioritize modern, adaptable biometric tools as part of a comprehensive technology-driven security strategy if confirmed.

IDEMIA Wins $194.5M GSA Contract to Provide Identity Verification for Login.gov

IDEMIA Public Security North America has secured a 10-year Blanket Purchase Agreement worth up to $194.5 million from the General Services Administration to provide identity proofing technologies for Login.gov, the federal single sign-on service. The platform incorporates document authentication, font anomaly detection, liveness detection, and face capture capabilities. It meets NIST SP 800-63 revision 3 Identity Assurance Level 2 standards and ISO/IEC 30107-3 compliance for preventing spoofing attacks. Accessibility features align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. IDEMIA’s experience includes partnering with government agencies and deploying Mobile ID solutions in states like New York and Arizona, supporting the broader trend toward digital identity credentials.

Hungary’s IT Agency Tenders for Portable Biometric Data Capture Devices

Hungary’s national IT services provider, NISZ Nemzeti Infokommunikációs Szolgáltató Zrt., has issued a tender for seven portable biometric data capture devices, specifying features similar to the Chameleon 5R Dual model. These devices must support fingerprint and facial data capture and comply with EU and ISO standards for biometric data collection and integration. Submissions are due by February 14, 2025, with vendor selection based on the lowest net price in Hungarian Forints. Potential applications include law enforcement, border control, or civil registration. Vendors must demonstrate prior experience delivering similar devices and submit proposals via Hungary’s Electronic Public Procurement System.

Nigeria to Add Iris Biometrics to National Digital ID System for Greater Inclusion

Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is considering the addition of iris biometrics to its National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment system to enhance accessibility. The initiative would provide an alternative for individuals who cannot reliably provide fingerprints due to disabilities or physical conditions. This plan builds on an $83 million modernization effort launched in 2024, which aims to improve interoperability and digital infrastructure using the MOSIP open-source platform. The NIMC’s digital ID program is essential for accessing financial, government, and telecommunications services. Supported by the World Bank, the program has extended its target to issue 180 million digital IDs by 2026 to meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

India Makes Digital Farmer IDs Mandatory for Welfare Scheme Applicants

India has introduced a mandatory farmer ID system for new applicants to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme, aimed at verifying land ownership and enhancing registration efficiency. The farmer ID links to state land records and includes demographic and crop details, building on India’s Aadhaar-based welfare payment infrastructure. Currently implemented in ten states representing 84 percent of PM-Kisan beneficiaries, the system supports the Digital Agriculture Mission’s Agri-Stack initiative, targeting 60 million IDs by March 2025. PM-Kisan provides Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmer families via Direct Benefit Transfer, integrating digital identity to improve program transparency and reduce fraud.

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January 10, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala