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:
Google Begins Rollout of ‘Identity Check’ Feature for Android Devices
Google has launched Identity Check, a new security feature for Android devices, starting with Pixel devices running Android 15. The feature enhances protection by requiring biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to access sensitive resources like Google account settings when a device leaves trusted locations. This requirement persists even if the device’s PIN or password is known. Identity Check also locks devices after multiple failed login attempts and strengthens factory reset protection by requiring Google account credentials, reducing the resale value of stolen devices. Initially available on Pixel devices, the feature will roll out to Samsung Galaxy devices with One UI 7 in the coming weeks, followed by other Android devices later this year.
Pakistan Passes Digital Nation Act to Transform Infrastructure and Identity Systems
Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2024, establishing frameworks for digital identity, governance, and economic development. The legislation creates a National Digital Commission (NDC), chaired by the Prime Minister and supported by provincial leaders and key organizations, as well as a Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) to implement policies. A core component is an enhanced digital identity system incorporating biometric data, health information, and social indicators, expanding upon NADRA’s existing infrastructure. This system will streamline access to services such as ID cards, land records, and health records. Additional provisions include biometric verification for vehicle registrations and facial recognition systems for pensioners.
Fingerprint Cards Seeks Financial Stability with Rights Issue
Fingerprint Cards (Fingerprints) has launched a partially guaranteed rights issue to raise approximately SEK 159.9 million, aiming to strengthen its financial position and support ongoing operations. Structural adjustments, including share capital reductions and article amendments, have been implemented to facilitate the initiative. The funds are expected to support growth in Fingerprints’ biometric payment card and access control sectors, areas the company is focusing on under Chief Strategy and Technology Officer David Eastaugh. The offering is subject to Swedish regulatory oversight and excludes jurisdictions such as the United States and Canada due to regulatory restrictions.
Humanity Protocol Teams with Open Campus to Launch Blockchain-Based Educational Credential System
Humanity Protocol and Open Campus have partnered to integrate decentralized identity systems with interoperable educational credentials. Humanity Protocol, known for its Proof of Humanity (PoH) technology and biometric verification solutions, will combine its Self-Sovereign Identity framework with Open Campus’s blockchain-based credentialing infrastructure. The integration allows users to create portable portfolios that link verified digital identities with educational achievements, enhancing their usability across Web3 platforms. Open Campus Achievements will be authenticated through Humanity Protocol’s verifiable credential framework, while Open Campus ID will incorporate PoH for Sybil-resistant identity validation. The system ensures privacy-preserving verification of credentials without revealing personal data.
BenjiLock Launches Weather-Resistant Fingerprint Padlocks
BenjiLock has introduced its Stainless Steel Series Fingerprint Padlocks, including a flagship 40mm Outdoor Fingerprint Padlock, at NAMM 2025. Designed for harsh environments, the padlock features weather-resistant stainless steel construction and can store up to 10 fingerprints, allowing shared access for multiple users. The product targets applications such as securing musical instruments, touring equipment, and storage units. BenjiLock demonstrated the new series at NAMM, with live presentations by founder and CEO Robbie Cabral. The launch aligns with a growing industry trend toward biometric security solutions identified at CES 2025.
Keisei Railway Launches Face-based Ticketing for Tokyo-Narita Airport Train
Keisei Electric Railway has launched a facial recognition ticketing system for its Skyliner train service between Tokyo’s Ueno Station and Narita International Airport. The Skyliner e-ticket Face Check in Go service allows passengers to register facial images online and purchase tickets, enabling entry through station gates by scanning their face on a tablet. While the system aims to reduce station congestion, specific seat selection and exit gates still require manual ticketing. The initiative is part of Japan’s broader digital transformation in transportation, complementing other biometric projects such as Tobu Railway’s finger vein recognition system.
Russia Plans Nationwide Facial Recognition Payment System in 2025
Russia plans to roll out a nationwide facial recognition payment system in 2025, deploying approximately two million biometric terminals in collaboration with Sber and the National Payment Card System (NSPK). Building on the existing Face Pay system, first introduced in Moscow’s Metro in 2021, the expansion will begin in Moscow’s Metro in 2024 before extending to other regions. The system will enable customers to make payments via facial recognition after registering biometric data through participating banking apps. The initiative is expected to include additional features such as age verification for restricted purchases and automated hotel check-ins.
West African Military States to Launch New Biometric Passports After ECOWAS Exit
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso will begin issuing biometric passports on January 29, 2025, as part of their transition from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the Alliance of the Sahel States (AES). The new passports will comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, featuring contactless chips with biographical data, digital photographs, and fingerprint information for enhanced security. Current ECOWAS passports will remain valid until expiration, with citizens able to exchange them for AES-marked documents. The biometric passports aim to standardize identification systems and facilitate free movement within AES member states while improving security against forgery and identity theft.
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January 24, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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