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:
Saint Anthony Hospital Settles BIPA Lawsuit for $1.46M
On June 30, 2025, Saint Anthony Hospital in Illinois agreed to a $1,455,300 settlement in a class action alleging improper collection of employee fingerprints under the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The settlement covers data collected from June 5, 2013, to May 7, 2025, with estimated payments of $539 per worker. The case highlights continued BIPA enforcement, alongside new laws like Colorado’s HB 24-1130 requiring consent and timely data deletion.
Somalia Deploys U.S.-Backed PISCES Biometric Border System
Somalia launched the U.S.-supported PISCES biometric border system at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on June 30, 2025. The system captures fingerprints and facial images for real-time watchlist checks to combat trafficking, illegal migration, and terrorism. Expansion to other crossings is planned, echoing global trends like the EU Entry/Exit System. Privacy concerns remain due to Somalia’s evolving data-protection framework.
Francesca Whitelaw KC Named Interim UK Biometrics Commissioner
Francesca Whitelaw KC was appointed interim Biometrics Commissioner for the United Kingdom effective July 1, 2025, after the post was vacant since August 2024. She will oversee biometric data use under the Protection of Freedoms Act and national security regulations. The appointment follows calls for regulatory clarity amid backlogs and previous proposals to abolish the role. A permanent commissioner is expected later this year.
Vietnam Rolls Out Level-2 e-ID for Foreign Residents
Vietnam began issuing Level-2 electronic ID accounts to foreign residents on July 1, 2025, through its VNeID platform. Eligible foreigners must visit immigration offices to submit biometric data. Processing times range from three to seven working days. The initiative follows a successful pilot processing 333 applications and is part of Vietnam’s digital transformation. Data privacy remains a concern under the 2023 Personal Data Protection Decree.
Tinder Mandates Facial Recognition for California Sign-Ups
Tinder now requires new users in California to complete facial recognition verification using FaceTec technology. A short video selfie confirms identity, while an encrypted face map is stored to detect duplicate accounts. The update aims to fight bots and deepfakes but raises privacy debates under California’s data protection laws. Tinder may extend the policy nationwide based on California’s results.
UK Food Delivery Apps Expand Facial Checks to Tackle Illegal Work
On June 30, 2025, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat committed to increasing facial recognition checks following discoveries of asylum seekers illegally working via rented accounts. Just Eat will shift from monthly to daily checks. The policy precedes proposed laws requiring right-to-work verification in the gig economy. Similar measures were adopted by DoorDash in the U.S., reflecting industry-wide crackdowns on account sharing.
TymeBank Slams South Africa’s ID Verification Fee Hike
On June 30, 2025, TymeBank CEO Karl Westvig criticized South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs for raising ID verification fees from R0.15 to R10—a surge exceeding 6,500 percent. Banks argue the cost threatens affordable banking and financial inclusion. The government cites the need to fund upgrades for the National Population Register and comply with FATF requirements. Dialogue is ongoing between banks and the department.
Niger Signs Deal for National e-ID and Biometric Passports
On June 27, 2025, Niger signed MoUs with Libya’s Al Itissan Al-Jadeed to build a national e-ID system and biometric passport infrastructure under a 15-year PPP. Pilot enrollment for e-IDs begins Q4 2025, with passport rollout planned for early 2026. The move follows Niger’s ECOWAS exit and regional shifts in ID systems. Civil society groups urge a dedicated data protection law to safeguard citizens’ biometric data.
Switzerland to Launch Biometric ID Cards by 2026
Switzerland will introduce biometric ID cards by the end of 2026, storing facial and fingerprint data on a secure chip. Although not an EU member, it must comply under the revised Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons and EU Regulation 2019/1157. Current non-biometric IDs remain valid for EU travel until expiry. The change coincides with Switzerland’s digital ID trials and a national e-ID referendum scheduled for September 28, 2025.
EVP Ofer Ronen Departs Corsight AI Amid Broader Executive Turnover
Ofer Ronen, EVP of Global Business Development at Corsight AI, has left the Israeli facial recognition firm amid significant leadership changes. Other exits since 2024 include Dror Simsolo and Sunny Kong, who led retail and Asia-Pacific initiatives. Despite Corsight’s achievements like ISO 42001 AI transparency certification in March 2025, the firm faces funding headwinds and increased market scrutiny.