ID Tech Digest – January 28, 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:

Humanity Protocol Raises $20M for Palm-Scanning Digital Identity Platform at $1.1B Valuation

Humanity Protocol, a Web3 identity verification platform, has raised $20 million in funding at a $1.1 billion valuation, with backing from Pantera Capital and Jump Crypto. The investment supports the development of its “Proof of Humanity” protocol, which employs palm scanning technology to link biometric data with digital identities across Web3 platforms. This funding follows the protocol’s successful testnet launch and aims to facilitate its upcoming mainnet launch. Positioned as an alternative to World Network’s iris-scanning approach, Humanity Protocol emphasizes palm scanning as a more user-friendly yet secure method. The platform’s biometric technology has potential applications in financial services, healthcare, and education, as demonstrated by its partnership with Open Campus for blockchain-based educational credentials.

Regula Launches Smartphone-sized Portable IDV Device

Regula has launched the ForensicScope Regula 4125, a portable ID verification device designed for border checkpoints, airports, and transportation hubs. The compact, smartphone-sized device operates autonomously without requiring external monitors, computers, or internet connectivity, making it suitable for deployment in remote locations. It features three specialized cameras, including a 250x zoom camera for detecting face morphing, and 15 light sources for examining security features such as phosphorescent inks and printing techniques. Built with ABS plastic and an aluminum frame, the device offers up to 4 hours of operation on a lithium-polymer battery. Leveraging research from the Fraunhofer Institute, the device enhances identity fraud detection, addressing advanced threats like face morphing.

TSA Expands Virginia mDL Acceptance to All Equipped Airports Nationwide

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now accepts Virginia’s mobile driver licenses (mDL) at all TSA checkpoints nationwide equipped with digital ID readers. Virginia residents with a valid driver’s license or ID card can download the Virginia Mobile ID app to create a secure digital ID, compliant with ISO 18013-5 standards. Travelers can present their mDL at TSA checkpoints, where credential authentication technology units use cameras to match the traveler’s face with the digital ID. Photos are deleted after verification. These units also validate same-day air travel tickets, streamlining the screening process by removing the need to show boarding passes to TSA officers, though they remain required at airline gates.

Belize Police to Deploy 1,000 AI-Powered Surveillance Cameras Nationwide

The Belize Police Department plans to install 1,000 surveillance cameras equipped with facial recognition, license plate reading, and motion detection capabilities as part of a national strategy to combat crime. Scheduled to begin in March, the cameras will include AI-powered tracking algorithms to monitor individuals and unusual movements, automatically focusing on areas of concern. The initiative also introduces panic buttons at key locations, enabling immediate alerts and camera tracking of fleeing individuals. Police Commissioner Chester Williams highlighted the system’s ability to detect unusual group activity and provide real-time alerts. Additionally, law enforcement will conduct intensified operations twice weekly, including targeted motorcycle surveillance and searches.

Gorilla Technology Begins Development of Thailand’s AI Tourism Safety System

Gorilla Technology Group Inc. has entered the design and development phase of Thailand’s AI Tourism Safety Initiative, aiming to enhance tourism safety using AI-powered technology. The system integrates real-time analytics with global databases for facial recognition, wanted persons, and license plate tracking, leveraging edge computing for threat detection and response. Key features include smart resource management through heat mapping and crowd density analysis, which has reduced response times by 30 percent, and threat detection accuracy of 98 percent. Supported by the British government, the initiative aims to position Thailand as a leader in AI-powered tourism safety in Southeast Asia. Gorilla Technology plans to scale its operations in Thailand, with over 100 new hires expected within a year, targeting opportunities exceeding $1 billion in the region.

Dubai Ambulance Service to Launch Facial Recognition System for Emergency Patient ID

The Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) plans to implement a facial recognition system for emergency medical services by mid-2025. Integrated with the Emirates ID database, the system will enable rapid identification of unconscious patients or those without ID, allowing medical records to be accessed instantly. Hospitals will be able to prepare for patients before their arrival, improving treatment efficiency. Operating under strict UAE healthcare data privacy laws, the system ensures secure handling of patient information. Additionally, DCAS will launch an AI-powered SOS app later in 2025, offering preliminary medical advice and tutorials for emergencies.

Benin Extends Deadline for Digital Public Services Framework Tender

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has extended the submission deadline for its digitalization framework tender in Benin to February 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon CET. The project, titled “Building of an Innovative Development Environment and Capacity Building for the Digitalisation of Public Services,” aims to advance Benin’s digital transformation agenda, focusing on creating a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) environment, enhancing public-private sector collaboration, and building stakeholder capacities. This initiative builds on Benin’s digital infrastructure, including its National Register of Persons (NPR) for biometric data management and the Estonia-inspired X-Road system for secure data exchange. The selected contractor will develop a scalable e-services platform using technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, incorporating strong data protection measures.

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January 28, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala