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:
UK Travelers to Face Mandatory EU Biometric Checks at Border Crossings
When the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launches in fall 2025, UK travelers entering by car will be required to exit their vehicles for manual fingerprint and facial image capture due to delays in the companion Frontex mobile app. The app, intended to enable pre-registration and in-car scanning, will not be ready until at least November. Ports like Dover are preparing for increased congestion, reclaiming land for processing areas and planning inland “virtual border” setups. Until the app is available, all first-time biometric data collection will occur at staffed border checkpoints, significantly altering the entry process for non-EU travelers.
EU Selects Spanish Tech for Pan-European Age Verification Digital Wallet
The EU will launch an interim age-verification app in July based on Spain’s pajaporte digital wallet, enabling users to confirm age eligibility via QR codes without revealing personal data. Developed by Deutsche Telekom and Scytáles, the app issues anonymous, site-specific credentials valid for 30 days and aligns with EU privacy principles. It serves as a temporary solution until the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI) becomes available in December 2026. While the initiative aims to protect minors and comply with regulatory investigations into adult content platforms, concerns remain over digital exclusion and the potential for broader surveillance use.
Privacy Groups Challenge Mobile Driver’s License Standards Over Surveillance Risk
A coalition led by the ACLU and EFF has launched the “No Phone Home” campaign, calling for reforms to the ISO 18013-5 standard for mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) over concerns about potential tracking of users’ locations and ID usage. The group urges mandatory offline verification, stricter data minimization, and stronger oversight to prevent misuse. As mDL adoption grows—supported by Apple, Google, and the TSA—privacy advocates argue current implementations risk enabling surveillance. The campaign aims to influence future revisions of the standard and ensure digital ID systems include privacy protections by default.
Fingerprint Cards Partners with LEGIC to Boost Biometric Access Security
Fingerprint Cards AB and LEGIC Identsystems AG have partnered to integrate FPC’s fingerprint sensors into LEGIC’s secure access platform, targeting sectors such as enterprise identity management and access control. The collaboration aims to enhance security and user experience by replacing keycards and PINs with biometric authentication. The integrated solution will offer faster verification, improved access tracking, and reduced risk of unauthorized entry. It marks FPC’s continued expansion into enterprise applications and supports LEGIC’s strategy of incorporating biometric technology into its ecosystem. Initial deployments are expected by Q4 2025, with a focus on modernizing enterprise access systems.
DR Congo Launches Advanced Biometric Passport with Enhanced Security Features
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is rolling out biometric e-passports as part of broader digital governance reforms, with full compliance expected by 2030. The project, separate from the country’s stalled $1.2 billion national biometric ID system, has progressed more smoothly and includes online applications and civil registry digitization. Backed by public-private partnerships and aligned with regional e-governance trends, the initiative aims to enhance data protection and service efficiency. Biometric data is classified as sensitive under the DRC’s Digital Code, requiring regulatory approval for processing.
Police Deploy Body Tracking Tech to Sidestep Facial Recognition Bans
Veritone’s Track, a video analytics platform is enabling a growing number of U.S. law enforcement to monitor individuals using non-biometric identifiers like body shape, clothing, and accessories. Adopted by roughly 400 public safety and educational institutions, Track offers an alternative to facial recognition in jurisdictions with legal restrictions. It supports post-incident analysis, with live video capabilities planned for future updates. While it avoids facial biometrics, civil liberties groups have raised privacy concerns over large-scale surveillance based on physical traits. Veritone positions Track as a compliant investigative tool aligned with evolving AI infrastructure and public safety needs.
Team Lewis Launches Biometric AI Tool to Measure Communication Trust
Global PR firm Team Lewis has launched Training for Trust, an AI-driven analytics service that uses biometric inputs – such as facial expressions, voice tone, and physiological signals – to assess the effectiveness of corporate communication. Aimed at executives and spokespeople, the tool provides real-time, data-based feedback on credibility and authenticity to refine public messaging, investor calls, and crisis communications. The service reflects a broader trend toward applying biometric technologies outside of security, with growing demand for tools that help organizations manage trust, reputation, and transparency in high-stakes communication environments.
Face-based Entry Platform Wicket Wins Top Golf Tech Award for 2025
Wicket has received top recognition at the 2025 Golfweek Tech Lab for its facial authentication platform, which enables voluntary biometric entry at sporting events. The system, used at the U.S. Women’s Open and other major venues, supports fast re-entry and has expanded across the NFL, with a league-wide rollout set for 2025. Benefits include reduced wait times and staffing costs. Privacy is emphasized through opt-in participation and secure data handling.
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June 2, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
