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:

IDIAP Joins Third Major EU Project, Gearing Up for Efforts in AI and Digital Identity
The Idiap Research Institute’s Biometrics Security & Privacy group has secured nearly 3 million Swiss Francs (MCHF) in Horizon Europe funding for three major EU digital innovation projects. The CERTAIN project, coordinated by IDEMIA, aims to develop AI compliance tools that align with the EU AI Act while improving sustainability. The CarMen project, led by Yncréa Méditerranée, focuses on scalable, fully automated biometric border control solutions for pedestrians, vehicles, and public transport. The PopEye project, coordinated by AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, integrates biometric modalities, including gait recognition, to enhance EU external border security while preserving privacy. Additionally, Idiap will co-host the Martigny Biometrics Workshop on May 19-20, 2025, in collaboration with EAB and CITeR, covering topics such as biometric security, AI compliance, and deepfake detection.
Maryland County Becomes First in Region to Accept Mobile IDs for Alcohol Purchases
Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will pilot mobile ID verification for alcohol purchases at its Westbard retail store starting February 5. This marks the first government-run alcohol distribution system in the region to adopt digital ID verification. The program will launch with a demonstration of the Mobile ID Check by MD app, allowing customers to verify their age using Maryland’s mobile ID system. Since its 2022 inception, over 250,000 Maryland residents have digitized their driver’s licenses or state IDs, which are compatible with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet. The system adheres to ISO/IEC 18013 standards and is already accepted at TSA checkpoints and select airport restaurants. ABS may expand mobile ID acceptance across all 27 county retail locations following the pilot’s evaluation, reflecting a broader trend toward digital identity adoption in age-restricted transactions.
French Court Rules Briefcam’s AI Surveillance System Illegal
A French administrative court has ruled that Moirans’ deployment of Briefcam’s algorithmic video surveillance system is unlawful, citing violations of GDPR and France’s Internal Security Code. The January 30 decision follows a legal challenge by digital rights group La Quadrature du Net, which contested the system’s use of AI-powered video analytics to detect behaviors such as loitering and unattended objects. The court found that the system engaged in unauthorized biometric data processing, lacked required impact assessments, and failed to justify its necessity for public safety. The ruling invalidates legal provisions allowing automated surveillance under temporary authorizations tied to the 2024 Paris Olympics and sets a precedent for broader challenges to algorithmic policing tools in France. The decision also raises concerns about bias in AI-driven surveillance, particularly regarding its disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, and complicates plans to expand AI-powered law enforcement initiatives under the 2024 Olympic Security Law.
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan Discuss Mutual Recognition of Biometric IDs for Cross-Border Travel
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are advancing plans to implement biometric identification documents for cross-border travel, replacing traditional passports. The initiative would allow mutual recognition of biometric ID cards as valid travel documents, integrating fingerprint and facial recognition data in compliance with ICAO standards. Officials from both nations’ migration and foreign affairs departments are working on aligning policies and ensuring interoperability between biometric systems. The move aims to streamline travel by eliminating passport checks and visa applications, supporting increased tourism from Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan, which grew by 16 percent in 2024. Uzbekistan’s biometric passport system, implemented in 2011, provides a foundation for this initiative, while Azerbaijan’s ASAN Visa system has been a model for digital migration processes.
Scotland Launches Centre of Excellence for Digital Trust to Boost Cybersecurity Innovation
Scotland has launched the Centre of Excellence for Digital Trust, a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening digital security and trust across the region. The Centre will serve as a hub for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to develop cybersecurity solutions, enhance data privacy, and ensure responsible digital technology deployment. It aligns with Scotland’s broader digital strategy, including interoperability efforts with the UK’s Gov.UK One Login system and the expansion of public sector digital services. While specific participants have not been disclosed, the initiative is expected to involve cybersecurity firms, academic institutions, and government agencies. Key objectives include addressing evolving cybersecurity threats, promoting transparency in digital governance, and fostering innovation in digital trust frameworks.
ID.me Raises $275M in Financing
ID.me has secured a $275 million credit facility from Ares Management, which also plans to make a substantial equity investment in the digital identity provider. This follows ID.me’s $132 million Series D round and reflects its rapid growth, with revenue increasing by over 450 percent from 2020 to 2024. The company has enrolled over 139 million users, with more than 65 million meeting federal IAL2 authentication standards. ID.me remains the only digital wallet compliant with federal multi-factor authentication standards, offering online, video chat, and in-person verification. It serves 19 federal agencies, 44 state agencies, and 66 healthcare organizations, while also supporting over 600 consumer brands. CEO Blake Hall emphasized that the financing will accelerate ID.me’s expansion, privacy protections, and fraud prevention efforts.
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January 31, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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