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:
NEC Identified as Vendor Behind DHS “Mobile Fortify” Facial Recognition App
The Department of Homeland Security has publicly identified NEC as the vendor responsible for developing Mobile Fortify, a mobile biometric application used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection for identity verification in the field. The attribution appears in DHS’s 2025 AI Use Case Inventory and links NEC to an existing multi-million-dollar contract supporting facial recognition and biometric data capture. The disclosure comes amid policy scrutiny over mobile biometric enforcement tools and legislative efforts to limit mobile biometric collection by DHS.
Oklahoma Lawmakers Ask State Supreme Court to Block Driver ID Data Transfer to AAMVA Network
Oklahoma lawmakers have petitioned the Oklahoma Supreme Court to prevent Service Oklahoma from transferring driver’s license and state ID data into the AAMVA State-to-State (S2S) network used for interstate identity verification. The lawmakers argue that the planned data transfer lacks explicit legislative authorization and could blur the distinction between REAL ID-compliant and other credentials. The case highlights ongoing state-level pushback against expanded data sharing with national identity systems.
Amazon Discontinues Amazon One Palm Biometric Payment System Due to Limited Customer Adoption
Amazon has announced it will discontinue its biometric Amazon One palm authentication service for retail payments and access due to lower-than-expected customer adoption. The service, which allowed users to pay and authenticate with a palm scan, will be phased out for retail customers by June 3, 2026, with associated user data slated for secure deletion. Some enterprise uses of the technology will continue, and Amazon Web Services will maintain a related enterprise offering.
Toss Plans Q2 2026 US IPO at $10B+ Valuation as FacePay Biometric Payments Reach 1 Million Users
South Korean fintech Toss (Viva Republica) is planning a U.S. IPO in the second quarter of 2026 targeting a valuation above $10 billion, driven in part by adoption of its FacePay biometric payment service. FacePay uses facial recognition to enable rapid checkout transactions and reportedly has reached one million users and broad merchant acceptance domestically. Toss aims to expand FacePay acceptance further as part of its growth strategy ahead of a potential U.S. listing.
Singapore Trials Facial Biometrics for Motorcyclists at Woodlands Checkpoint Border Crossing
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has begun a trial allowing motorcyclists to use facial biometrics for identity verification at the Woodlands Checkpoint, addressing challenges with fingerprinting riders. In the pilot, riders present travel documents or QR codes and undergo a facial scan with helmet visor lifted to facilitate border processing. The trial reflects efforts to adapt biometric technology to different traveler categories and improve throughput at busy land border crossings.
BASF Explores Sale of Biometric Imaging Subsidiary trinamiX With 800+ Patents
Chemical and materials company BASF is exploring the sale of its biometric imaging subsidiary trinamiX, which holds more than 800 patents related to imaging and sensor technologies. The potential divestiture is part of a strategic portfolio review and could shift ownership of a significant biometric hardware and imaging patent portfolio. Interested buyers are expected to come from semiconductor, imaging, and technology sectors given trinamiX’s intellectual property breadth.
FTC Convenes Age Verification Workshop Examining Biometric Technologies and COPPA Compliance
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has convened a workshop focused on age verification technologies, examining how biometric and other systems interact with compliance requirements under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The event will gather experts to discuss technical, privacy, and regulatory dimensions of age assurance tools and child online safety. The workshop underscores regulatory interest in how identity technologies can be used responsibly to protect minors online.
UK Expands Live Facial Recognition Fleet Fivefold With 40 New Vans and £115M AI Policing Investment
The UK government has expanded its live facial recognition policing capability by adding 40 vans equipped with biometric systems and committing £115 million to AI-driven tools intended to support law enforcement identity operations. The increased deployment enables real-time identity screening in operational contexts ranging from public events to patrols. The move has attracted attention from advocates and critics alike over privacy, governance, and the scope of biometric surveillance in policing.
–
By the ID Tech Editorial Team