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:
Ukraine Adopts EU-Compatible Digital ID Wallet Framework
Ukraine has adopted Resolution No. 689, establishing a digital ID wallet framework aligned with the EU’s eIDAS 2.0 standard. Building on the Diia platform, the new system will support cross-border identity verification, allowing Ukrainian citizens to access EU services and vice versa. The wallet will store official documents, personal data, and qualified electronic signatures, with a focus on privacy, security, and mutual interoperability by 2026.
U.S. and Costa Rica Expand Border Security Ties with Focus on Biometrics and Global Entry
The U.S. and Costa Rica are expanding border security cooperation with new initiatives focused on biometric screening, joint operations, and future integration into the Global Entry program. U.S. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to San José included facility tours and meetings on biometric data sharing and transnational crime prevention. A joint operation recently led to 19 arrests tied to human trafficking. A letter of support for Costa Rica’s Global Entry participation was signed, with President Chaves set to be its first approved citizen. Technical integration and vetting are still required.
Illinois Appeals Court Upholds Class Action in Biometric Privacy Suit Against ITS Technologies
An Illinois appeals court has upheld class certification in a BIPA lawsuit against ITS Technologies & Logistics, allowing over 800 workers to pursue claims that the company used biometric time clocks without obtaining proper consent. The ruling affirms that the case’s core legal question is suitable for class-wide resolution. If successful, class members could receive up to $5,000 each. The case adds to growing BIPA enforcement momentum amid rising use of workplace biometrics and follows major recent settlements and ongoing litigation across Illinois.
Colorado’s Biometric Privacy Law Takes Effect Next Week, Requiring Consent and Timely Data Deletion
Effective July 1, 2025, Colorado will enforce HB 24-1130, expanding the Colorado Privacy Act to impose strict requirements on biometric data collection by businesses and employers. The law mandates clear notice, opt-in consent, secure storage, and data deletion within 24 months of last interaction or when no longer needed. It applies regardless of company size and is enforced solely by the Attorney General and local prosecutors. Covered entities must update policies to meet these obligations ahead of the deadline.
Fingerprint Cards Adds Two Board Members to Support Growth and Biometric Market Expansion
Fingerprint Cards AB has added John Lord and Carl Johan Grandinson to its Board of Directors to support its ongoing transformation and global growth strategy. The appointments follow a 100 percent year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, driven by FPC’s focus on biometric solutions and new partnerships in access control. Lord brings financial and tech leadership experience, while Grandinson offers expertise in enterprise software and business development. The expanded board strengthens FPC’s position in the competitive biometric security market.
NEXT Biometrics Launches FAP 30 Sensor With Larger Scanning Area for Secure ID and Payments
NEXT Biometrics has introduced the FAP 30 “Granite” fingerprint sensor, offering a 67 percent larger scanning area than its FAP 20 predecessors. Designed for high-security applications like digital banking, national ID, and border control, the sensor meets FBI-PIV and Mobile ID standards. It improves accuracy, speeds enrollment, and reduces false rejections. The launch follows recent contracts in India and a NOK 6.3 million order for the company’s L1 Slim sensors, reflecting growing global demand for high-performance biometric authentication.
BIO-key Joins ISMS Forum to Support Cybersecurity and Identity Standards in Spain
BIO-key International has joined Spain’s ISMS Forum to support national cybersecurity efforts and regulatory compliance initiatives. The move follows BIO-key’s IAM distribution partnership with Arrow ECS Iberia and aligns with its focus on Identity-Bound Biometrics, MFA, and Zero Trust security. As a member, BIO-key will engage in ISMS Forum events and working groups tied to GDPR and NIS2 frameworks, expanding its presence in the European identity security landscape.
rf IDEAS Earns Apple Certification for WAVE ID Readers Supporting Mobile Credentials
rf IDEAS has earned its fourth Apple certification, enabling its WAVE ID Plus Mini and WAVE ID SP Plus readers to support employee badge credentials in Apple Wallet. The certified devices allow mobile-based authentication for secure printing, logins, time tracking, and physical access. The update aligns with growing enterprise demand for digital ID solutions and reinforces rf IDEAS’ position in the expanding market for mobile-first, contactless access control.
Samsung to Launch Digital Car Key Support for Mercedes-Benz via Samsung Wallet in July
Starting in July, Samsung Wallet users with select Galaxy smartphones will be able to lock, unlock, and start compatible Mercedes-Benz vehicles using UWB-based digital keys compliant with the CCC standard. The feature expands Samsung’s mobile access ecosystem, previously limited to BMW and Hyundai, and includes secure proximity unlocking and remote control functions secured by Samsung Knox. The update follows Samsung Wallet’s recent support for mobile IDs in states like West Virginia and Colorado, reflecting a broader push into digital identity and mobile-based convenience services.
Iowa Expands Mobile ID Program with Google Wallet Integration for Driver’s Licenses and State IDs
Iowa residents can now add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Google Wallet, expanding mobile ID support to all major platforms following earlier Apple and Samsung Wallet integrations. The feature allows Android users to verify identity at TSA checkpoints and select businesses, with enrollment handled directly in the Google Wallet app via facial recognition and ID scan. Developed in partnership with IDEMIA, the digital ID is protected by encryption and biometric authentication but does not replace the physical card.
–
By Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
