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:
Council of Europe Seeks Biometric Systems for Armenia’s Probation Service
The Council of Europe has launched a tender to supply biometric access control systems and IT equipment to modernize Armenia’s Probation Service. The project includes fingerprint and facial recognition devices aimed at improving monitoring of individuals under court supervision. The technology will support automated visit tracking and enhance data security through encrypted communications. The initiative is part of broader justice reforms in Armenia, with the contract governed by EU procurement rules, though full details on budget and timeline remain undisclosed.
Bangladesh Launches First Commercial Biometric Metal Credit Card
Eastern Bank PLC, in partnership with Mastercard and IDEX Biometrics, has begun issuing what it describes as the world’s first commercially available biometric metal credit card in Bangladesh. The World Elite Mastercard uses on-card fingerprint recognition, allowing transactions without PINs or signatures. Cardholders can enroll fingerprints at home, and the product targets premium users with luxury travel perks. While vendor claims frame the rollout as a global first, industry analysts see it as part of broader growth in biometric payments.
Himachal Pradesh Rolls Out Aadhaar Face Authentication for Rations
Himachal Pradesh has become India’s first state to deploy Aadhaar-based facial recognition for ration distribution across its public distribution system (PDS). The system works via mobile apps on ration dealers’ smartphones, matching beneficiaries’ faces to Aadhaar records to reduce failures common with fingerprint or OTP methods. Officials say the change aims to improve efficiency, though privacy safeguards specific to the rollout remain unclear. Aadhaar processes over 2 billion authentications monthly, underscoring its central role in India’s digital identity ecosystem.
China Set to Launch Voluntary Cyberspace ID
China will introduce a voluntary national Cyberspace ID on 15 July 2025, providing internet users an official single sign-on tied to real-name identity and facial scans. Contrary to early reports, participation is optional, and alternatives must remain available. The system aims to simplify logins and reduce fraud but has raised privacy concerns among rights groups wary of increased government tracking. The rollout coincides with new data protection rules, including mandatory audits for large platforms processing personal data.
Belgium to Roll Out IBAN-Name Check for Bank Transfers
Belgium’s banks will start phasing in an IBAN-name check system between July and October 2025 to reduce fraud in bank transfers. The service verifies whether the recipient’s name matches the provided account number and alerts customers of discrepancies. Although some comparisons have been made to Nigeria’s biometric Bank Verification Number (BVN) system, Belgium’s measure is purely database-driven and not biometric. The initiative aligns with an EU regulation requiring all banks to implement the check by 9 October 2025.
EU Border Database Found Vulnerable Ahead of New Systems
Audits have uncovered thousands of security flaws in the Schengen Information System II (SIS II), the EU’s primary border surveillance database, some unresolved for years. The European Data Protection Supervisor classified many vulnerabilities as high risk. The concerns arise as the EU prepares to link SIS II with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), due to start phased operation in October 2025, and as the EU implements its shared Biometric Matching Service (sBMS). Experts warn a breach could affect millions and undermine security operations.
Stellantis Patents Facial Recognition Entry System
Stellantis has secured a U.S. patent for a vehicle access system using facial recognition activated by a door handle gesture. The technology integrates with existing cameras and remains dormant to conserve battery power until needed. It can store multiple user profiles and process data via cloud services. Though no production timeline has been announced, Stellantis joins automakers like Mazda and Hyundai exploring biometric solutions for vehicle security and personalization, reflecting a growing industry trend showcased at events like CES 2024.
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team