ID Tech Digest – January 23, 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:

We May Need Our Mobiles, But Do We Trust Them?

The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) reports a decline in its Global Trust Index to 55 percent, reflecting fragile trust among mobile users worldwide. Rising concerns over identity theft, fraud, and data breaches have prompted users to adopt protective measures like multi-factor authentication and privacy setting adjustments, yet many still feel vulnerable. Regional trends show UK users avoiding apps and online purchases, while U.S. users seek greater transparency. German users remain cautious despite GDPR, India’s lack of strong data protection heightens concerns, and Brazil’s LGPD has improved trust but reports high levels of data harm.

Identity Tech Industry Grapples with AI in New Biometrics Institute Report

The Biometrics Institute has released a report, “Members’ Viewpoints: The Relationship Between Biometrics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)”. While AI enhances biometric systems through tasks like data processing, decision-making, and security, some members argue that biometrics can function independently using traditional algorithms. The report identifies challenges in defining both technologies, with technical definitions often misaligned and public narratives frequently conflating them. It also addresses regulatory concerns, such as the EU AI Act treating biometric surveillance broadly under AI, which could stifle innovation. The Institute has updated its Explanatory Dictionary of Biometrics to clarify these terms and improve public understanding.

IDEMIA Tops DHS Remote Identity Validation Testing

IDEMIA Public Security has secured the top ranking in the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Remote Identity Validation Technology Demonstration (RIVTD) Track 3 evaluation for liveness detection capabilities. Conducted at the Maryland Test Facility in 2024, the evaluation tested remote identity verification technologies under stringent conditions. IDEMIA’s system recorded zero successful attacks while maintaining high accuracy across all demographic categories, addressing concerns about bias related to gender, race, and skin tone. The testing, conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with DHS, highlights the growing importance of fairness in regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Albania Expands Voter ID Options for Diaspora in May Elections

Albania’s Democratic Party has proposed amendments to expand voter identification options for diaspora voters in the upcoming May 11 elections. The changes would allow Albanian citizens living abroad to use biometric documents issued by their countries of residence, moving beyond the current requirement for Albanian state documentation. This builds on the country’s rollout of biometric voter verification systems, which began in late 2023. The amendments address challenges faced by Albania’s 2.3–2.7 million-strong diaspora, offering greater flexibility, including the use of expired Albanian ID cards. While the State Election Commission has raised logistical concerns about preparing for large-scale diaspora voting, interest in registration remains high.

HID Expands Global Access Control Portfolio with Acquisition of 3millID and Third Millennium

HID has announced its acquisition of 3millID Corporation and Third Millennium Systems Ltd., expanding its physical access control portfolio and geographic presence. 3millID, based in Colorado, specializes in proprietary access control readers for North American enterprise customers, while Third Millennium, headquartered in Wales, provides access control solutions for enterprise and government clients in the UK and Europe. The companies, which have collaborated on technology development and sales since 2015, will be integrated into HID’s Physical Access Control Solutions Business Area. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025, pending customary closing conditions.

Q2 Holdings Teams with Alloy on Integrated Fraud Prevention Solution for Digital Banking

Q2 Holdings Inc. has partnered with Alloy to provide an integrated fraud monitoring solution for its digital banking customers. The solution leverages Alloy’s identity decision engine and data partner network alongside Q2’s digital banking data and Innovation Studio capabilities. It delivers real-time risk assessments to address account takeover and P2P payment fraud, threats that have grown with AI-powered fraud tools. According to Alloy’s upcoming 2025 State of Fraud Benchmark Report, one-third of financial institutions reported fraud losses exceeding $1 million in 2024, with account takeover being the most common type of fraud affecting mid-market banks and credit unions. The system employs risk-based authentication, introducing targeted friction for risky users while ensuring a smooth experience for legitimate customers.

ELAN Microelectronics Reachs FIDO Level 2 for Fingerprint Authentication Solution

ELAN Microelectronics has obtained FIDO Biometric Component Level 2 Certification for its fingerprint authentication solution, following testing conducted by Fime, a FIDO-accredited security consulting and testing agency. The solution surpassed FIDO’s benchmark requirements, achieving a False Acceptance Rate of zero percent and a False Rejection Rate of 3.6 percent, compared to benchmarks of one percent and seven percent, respectively. During Presentation Attack Detection testing, the solution achieved an Impostor Attack Presentation Accept Rate of less than one percent, far below the seven percent benchmark.

Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan Deployments Show Growing Adoption of Identity Tech in Schools

Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan have seen new deployments of biometric technologies in their education systems, showcasing the diverse applications of digital identity tools. In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, school registration will now require Fayda IDs, a biometric digital ID system linked to the country’s national registration effort, which has enrolled 11 million individuals so far and aims for 90 million. In Kyrgyzstan, facial recognition cameras have been installed in schools in Bishkek to monitor attendance, enhance security, and track unauthorized visitors. The system has been effective in identifying missing teenagers and unauthorized individuals. While these implementations improve administrative efficiency and security, they raise concerns about data privacy and the ethical collection of biometric data, particularly from minors.

Ukraine to Launch Passport Delivery Service for Citizens Abroad

The Ukrainian government is enhancing digital consular services for citizens abroad by introducing international passport delivery through Nova Poshta starting February 2025. Nova Poshta, a private Ukrainian logistics company with experience handling sensitive government documents, will facilitate the service in select countries. This initiative complements the e-Consul system, a digital platform integrated with Ukraine’s Diia ecosystem, which provides digital ID documents and government services using secure authentication and digital signatures. Planned services include courier options for passports and driver’s license issuance abroad. These advancements aim to streamline consular processes for the estimated 5 million Ukrainians living overseas, reducing the need for in-person visits.

Spain’s PM Proposes Mandatory Digital ID for Social Media Users at Davos

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has proposed mandatory digital identification for social media users, requiring platforms to link accounts to the European digital identity wallet under development. Presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the proposal aims to eliminate anonymous accounts, enhance transparency in algorithmic systems, and enforce compliance with content moderation and fact-checking requirements. Sanchez compared the measure to existing identification standards in other areas, advocating for pseudonymity as a balance between privacy and accountability. While supporters highlight its potential to curb disinformation and abuse, privacy advocates have raised concerns about data security and surveillance risks, emphasizing potential implications for user privacy and platform operations.

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January 23, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala