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:
Idaho Considers Digital Driver’s License Bill
Idaho lawmakers are reviewing legislation to introduce optional electronic driver’s licenses, allowing residents to carry digital credentials on mobile devices. Introduced in the Idaho House Transportation and Defense Committee, the bill directs the Idaho Transportation Department to develop a secure system for issuing and managing mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) while maintaining physical license options. The initiative aligns with ISO/IEC 18013 standards and follows models used in states like New York, which employs selfie verification for authentication. Lawmakers are debating implementation costs, security protocols, and technical infrastructure requirements. The bill remains in early discussions, with further legislative review required before potential implementation, which would involve coordination with federal agencies and compliance with national mobile ID standards.
Czech Startup Wultra Raises €3M for Post-Quantum Banking Security
Czech cybersecurity startup Wultra has raised €3 million in a funding round led by Tensor Ventures, with participation from Elevator Ventures and J&T Ventures, to advance post-quantum authentication technology for financial institutions. Founded in 2014, Wultra specializes in cybersecurity solutions aimed at protecting financial systems from quantum computing threats, which pose risks to traditional encryption methods. The investment will accelerate the development of quantum-resistant authentication tools, supporting banks and fintech companies in mitigating potential cryptographic vulnerabilities. Wultra has already collaborated with Moldovan banks to ensure compliance with EU regulations such as PSD2, emphasizing secure yet user-friendly authentication methods.
AXS LaunchesBiometric Authentication for Mobile Ticket Access
AXS has introduced biometric authentication in its mobile app, allowing users to access tickets using fingerprint or facial recognition instead of passwords. The system processes biometric data on users’ devices rather than storing it on AXS servers, aligning with privacy best practices recommended by agencies like the NSA and CISA. The update enhances security, reduces fraud, and simplifies account recovery while integrating with existing device security features. This implementation follows a broader industry shift toward biometric ticketing, seen in deployments like River Plate’s stadium system in Argentina and Osaka Station’s biometric ticketing for public transport. By adopting an on-device processing approach, AXS strengthens security while addressing regulatory concerns around biometric data protection, positioning itself within a growing trend of privacy-conscious digital ticketing solutions.
Rhombus Launches AI-Powered Security Features with ChatGPT Integration
Rhombus has introduced three AI-powered security features to enhance video surveillance operations, including Rhombus Faces 2.0 for facial detection, a combined event search capability, and ChatGPT integration for natural language video searches. The ChatGPT integration allows security teams to search footage using descriptive queries, marking one of the first applications of large language models in video surveillance. Rhombus Faces 2.0 improves movement tracking, real-time alerts, and facility access records, launching amid growing regulatory scrutiny of facial recognition technologies. The combined event search feature enables users to filter footage by facial recognition, clothing color, license plates, and vehicle details, integrating with existing security systems through a unified platform.
Survey: Canadians Split on Biometric Payments as Digital Transaction Methods Evolve
A new survey indicates Canadians are nearly evenly divided on biometric payment adoption, with 46 percent in favor and 45 percent opposed, while 10 percent remain undecided. Generational differences are evident, with 54 percent of those aged 18-34 supporting biometric payments compared to 48 percent of those aged 35-54 and 30 percent of those 55 and older. Credit cards continue to dominate transactions at 37 percent, though their usage has declined by three percent since August 2023, while debit cards account for 29 percent and cash remains at 18 percent. Smartphone payments and e-transfers each make up seven percent, with cheques at two percent.
Naver Rolls Out Passkey Authentication System Across Its Services
Naver has introduced passkey login functionality across its services, enabling passwordless authentication through facial and fingerprint recognition. Initially launched for PC and mobile web platforms, the system will be integrated into the Naver mobile app in the first half of 2024. Based on FIDO Alliance standards, passkeys allow users to authenticate securely and transfer credentials across devices, eliminating issues like password typos and complex login requirements. Naver has reinforced security with protective measures, including personal verification for overseas logins, new device notifications, and two-factor authentication. The company also continues its Privacy Enhancement Reward (PER) program, which incentivizes security vulnerability reporting.
Sumsub Joins EU Payments Association as Patron Member Amid Rising Identity Fraud
Sumsub has joined the Payments Association EU as a patron member, alongside major industry players such as Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, and Amazon. This move follows its 2023 membership in the UK Payments Association and its recent achievement as the first identity verification provider to receive Global Digital Identity Certification under the UK’s AVID program. Sumsub’s participation focuses on strengthening identity fraud protection in the payments sector, responding to rising fraud threats. Its 2024 Identity Fraud Report shows banking and fintech fraud increased by 162 percent and 156 percent, respectively, while deepfake-related fraud in Europe surged by 142 percent.
Empro and OneID Launch AI-Powered Employee Verification App for UK Facilities Management
Empro has partnered with digital identity verification provider OneID to develop the Bespoke TUPE App, designed to streamline employee verification and onboarding. The app, created for Empro Talent, integrates Right to Work checks and payroll setup into a single process, leveraging AI-powered passport scanning for identity verification and instant bank account verification. This automation reduces administrative workload and enhances compliance as UK digital identity regulations evolve. OneID, a government-certified and FCA-registered provider, uses bank-verified data for real-time digital identity verification, covering approximately 50 million UK adults. The solution simplifies onboarding by minimizing manual data entry and incorporating fraud prevention measures.
Bio Sensing Technologies Launches Smart HEAD System for Real-Time Head Impact Monitoring
Bio Sensing Technologies has launched the Smart HEAD System, a compact biometric tracking device designed to monitor head health in real-time. Developed in Colorado Springs, the quarter-sized device integrates into helmets, headgear, and headbands to measure head temperature, rotation, and impact velocity. Data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a cloud-based analytics platform, enabling users to track head impacts and movement. The system addresses growing concerns about athlete safety, with applications extending to sports, military operations, and medical rehabilitation. With over 90 million helmets in use across the U.S. and approximately 4 million concussions occurring annually, the device aims to enhance player safety, reduce concussion risks, and support treatment planning for healthcare providers.
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January 30, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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