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:
EU Digital Wallet Consortium Releases New Payment Integration Specifications
The EU Digital Wallet Consortium (EWC) has released version 2.2 of its Request for Comments (RFC) documentation, introducing RFC-007: Payment Wallet Attestation v1.1 and RFC-008: Payment Data Confirmation v1.0 to enhance payment capabilities within the EU Digital Identity Wallet ecosystem. These specifications establish standardized protocols for integrating payment functionality into digital wallets, aligning with the European Commission’s cross-border security standards and the eIDAS 2.0 framework. RFC-007 strengthens wallet-banking attestation protocols, improving Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) and trust frameworks between wallets and payment service providers. RFC-008 defines a methodology for wallets to confirm payment data with issuers and relying parties, ensuring reliable transaction processing.
Flemish Government Secures Free Itsme Digital ID Access Through 2029
The Flemish government has secured an agreement with Belgian Mobile ID to provide free access to the Itsme digital identification app for agencies, local authorities, and schools through 2029. Digitaal Vlaanderen, the region’s digitalization agency, will cover costs up to an undisclosed limit. Developed by a consortium of Belgian banks and telecom providers, Itsme allows citizens to verify their identities for government services, banking, and private sector transactions. The app supports legally recognized digital signatures under the EU’s eIDAS regulations. While citizens have always accessed Itsme for free, public and private partners previously paid usage fees.
What College Campuses Teach Us About Digital ID Adoption
In a guest essay, Rasheed Behrooznia, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Campus ID and Commerce at Transact Campus + CBORD, explores how higher education institutions are pioneering the adoption of digital IDs and what other industries can learn from their success. With Gen Z leading the shift toward mobile-first experiences, campuses have become a proving ground for digital credentials, demonstrating best practices in user experience, engagement, security, and operational efficiency. Behrooznia highlights key lessons, including the importance of designing for convenience, driving adoption through engagement, integrating digital IDs to eliminate inefficiencies, and balancing security with usability. As digital IDs gain traction across industries—from government services to workplaces—he argues that campuses provide a valuable model for organizations looking to modernize identity solutions and meet rising consumer expectations.
Kroger Denies Using Facial Recognition for Dynamic Pricing Amid Congressional Scrutiny
Kroger has denied allegations of deploying facial recognition technology for dynamic pricing, following media reports suggesting its EDGE digital shelf system could adjust prices based on customer demographics. The company stated it does not use facial recognition in connection with electronic shelf labels or pricing. Microsoft, a past partner in Kroger’s retail technology initiatives, confirmed that no facial recognition technology is in use and that current digital price tags differ from those tested in a 2019 pilot program. The allegations have drawn scrutiny from federal legislators, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Robert Casey, and Representative Rashida Tlaib, who have raised concerns about potential discriminatory pricing.
Cleveland Judge Excludes Facial Recognition Evidence in Murder Case
A Cleveland murder investigation has raised concerns over facial recognition technology in law enforcement after a judge excluded evidence obtained through Clearview AI. Police used the system to identify a suspect from surveillance footage, despite the perpetrator’s face being unclear. The defense challenged the reliability of the identification, leading the court to rule that the technology alone was insufficient as evidence. The judge cited Clearview AI’s disclaimers that its results should not be the sole basis for arrests, as well as concerns over transparency and a lack of corroborating evidence. This decision follows regulatory scrutiny of Clearview AI, including a ban on its data collection in British Columbia.
Thales Sentinel Platform Secures Eyedea’s AI Recognition Software for Law Enforcement
Thales has integrated its Sentinel platform with Eyedea’s AI-powered visual recognition software, securing and managing its deployment for law enforcement applications. Eyedea, a spinoff from the Czech Technical University, provides machine learning solutions for vehicle recognition, license plate reading, and distracted driving detection. The software, used by agencies such as Interpol and Europol, incorporates GDPR-compliant privacy features, redacting human and license plate data. Sentinel enables secure licensing through hardware keys, ensuring controlled access and protection of Eyedea’s intellectual property. The licensing model includes a three-month trial before transitioning to an annual subscription.
Iraq Issues 40 Million Electronic ID Cards in Major Digital Identity Milestone
Iraq has issued over 40 million electronic identification (eID) cards through its national identity program, developed in partnership with Berlin-based Veridos. Launched in 2013, the initiative established a centralized electronic national civil register, operating across more than 320 registration offices. The eID cards incorporate biometric data storage and encrypted chips for secure identity verification. The system supports multiple biometric identifiers and demographic data, positioning it among the largest digital identity programs in the Middle East. Designed for scalability, Iraq’s eID infrastructure is set to accommodate future population growth and expanded digital government services, reflecting the region’s broader trend toward modernized civil registration systems.
authID Launches PrivacyKey Biometric Authentication System with Zero Data Storage
authID Inc. has introduced PrivacyKey, a biometric authentication solution that eliminates biometric data storage while maintaining security and compliance. Integrated into authID’s Proof and Verified platform Version 4.0, the system generates a public and private key pair during onboarding, retaining only the public key. The authentication process takes 700 milliseconds and achieves a false-match accuracy rate of one in one billion. During verification, the private key is recreated within an organization’s ecosystem rather than referencing a centralized database, aligning with the industry shift toward decentralized biometric verification. The system addresses compliance concerns by preventing biometric data retention, appealing to organizations wary of data storage risks.
CyberLink Launches FaceMe Security 8.0 with Enhanced Automation Features
CyberLink has launched FaceMe Security 8.0, an AI-powered facial recognition solution certified under ISO 27001:2022 for security, access control, and identity verification applications. The updated version integrates with major video management systems (VMS), including Genetec Security Center, Milestone XProtect, Network Optix Nx Witness, and Hanwha Vision Wisenet WAVE. New features include automatic IP camera detection, HTTP API support for Digital Input/Digital Output (DIDO) triggering, and PostgreSQL database compatibility. The system enables automated security responses, such as activating signal tower lights when unauthorized individuals are detected. Enhanced technical capabilities improve database performance, mass record deletion stability, and Hanwha Vision Wisenet WAVE video playback. CyberLink has also integrated an API test tool within FaceMe Security Console and enabled automatic synchronization with Genetec Security Center’s people database.
IDEMIA Launches Cloud-Based Fingerprint Forensics Software
IDEMIA Public Security North America has launched STORM LP-X, a cloud-native latent print software solution for forensic examiners. The platform allows users to encode, submit searches, and compare fingerprints, integrating with state Automated Biometric Identification Systems (ABIS) and the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system. Using the same interface as IDEMIA’s STORM ABIS, STORM LP-X incorporates the ACE-V methodology and the GYRO documentation system, providing an alternative to traditional forensic workstations. Features include drag-and-drop image uploads, automatic encoding, latent print quality mapping, and side-by-side print comparison. The software generates EBTS-compliant transactions and offers web-based access, enabling examiners to work remotely from offices or crime scenes.
Eurostar Ends SmartCheck Biometric System as London Prepares for EU E-Gates
Eurostar is discontinuing its SmartCheck facial biometric system, which allowed Business Premier and Carte Blanche/Etoile passengers to complete ticket and identity verification without physical documentation. Developed in partnership with iProov, the system was introduced after successful trials in late 2022. This change coincides with the upcoming implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) e-gates in London, part of the EU’s border control modernization. The EES e-gates will use facial and fingerprint biometrics to replace manual passport stamping, creating digital records of non-EU travelers’ entry and exit data. French authorities have warned of potential delays during the initial rollout.
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January 29, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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