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:
Veriff Launches AI-Powered Address Verification for Enhanced KYC Compliance
Veriff has introduced an AI-powered Proof of Address solution to streamline KYC and AML compliance processes for regulated industries. The system extracts and verifies address data from documents like utility bills and bank statements, offering global coverage and fraud detection capabilities to reduce manual review and onboarding delays. Targeted at sectors such as finance and online marketplaces, the launch expands Veriff’s verification platform, which includes biometric tools and document authentication. The release follows significant revenue growth and the addition of Twilio’s former CTO to Veriff’s board, underscoring the company’s strategic expansion.
UK Digital ID System to Get £17.5M Security Boost After Losing Certification
The UK Government Digital Service has awarded £17.5 million in contracts to Accenture and PA Consulting to enhance the cybersecurity and technical architecture of the GOV.UK One Login platform. The move follows the loss of DIATF certification due to compliance issues with biometrics provider iProov, and a red-team test that revealed a critical security flaw. Whistleblower claims also raised concerns about potential exposure of data from three million accounts. Despite these issues, GDS continues expanding One Login, aiming to integrate 100 services by year-end and launch the GOV.UK Wallet later in 2025. Recertification and security upgrades are now underway.
France Mandates Digital Visa Applications for All Travelers from 2025
France is mandating online appointment booking for all visa applicants starting June 2025, centralizing scheduling through the Démarches Simplifiées platform for both short-stay and long-stay visa types. Applicants must use the Visa Wizard tool for pre-screening before booking, but biometric data collection still requires an in-person visit. The move ends walk-ins and third-party booking, standardizing the process across consulates. The system builds on digital visa procedures piloted during the 2024 Olympics and reflects broader EU trends toward secure, tech-driven visa management, with countries like Italy and Poland also expanding biometric requirements and fraud prevention measures.
Illinois Court Advances Lawsuit Over Trucking Firm’s Facial Scan System
A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit against HMD Trucking Inc. can proceed under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), allowing claims related to the company’s use of facial scanning for timekeeping without proper notice or consent. The court found facial scan data qualifies as a “biometric identifier” under BIPA, which mandates written disclosure and consent before collection. The case highlights increasing legal risks for companies using biometric tech in Illinois, as courts continue to uphold strict compliance standards. Discovery will now proceed, potentially impacting similar practices in the transportation and logistics industry.
Judge Allows Verizon to Arbitrate Voice ID Privacy Lawsuit Over Class Action
A federal judge has paused a proposed BIPA class action against Verizon, ruling that claims over its Voice ID system must proceed through arbitration. The lawsuit alleges Verizon collected customer voiceprints without consent, violating Illinois’ biometric privacy law. Judge Jorge Alonso found that Verizon’s service agreement delegates dispute scope decisions to an arbitrator, effectively shifting the case to private proceedings. The ruling does not address the underlying privacy claims but may influence future BIPA cases involving arbitration clauses.
NEC National Security Systems Names Todd Morris as New President
NEC Corporation of America has appointed Todd Morris as president of NEC National Security Systems, replacing Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, who will stay on as an executive adviser during the transition. Morris brings over 30 years of federal contracting experience, including leadership roles at Fusion Technology, MetroStar, Maximus, and GDIT. NEC NSS, a FOCI-mitigated subsidiary operating under a Special Security Agreement, provides biometric and AI technologies to U.S. federal agencies. Morris is expected to expand the company’s national security footprint and industry partnerships while maintaining its focus on identity and AI solutions for government clients.
Aware’s Passive Liveness Tech Achieves Top Score in DHS Security Testing
Aware, Inc. has earned top marks for passive liveness detection in the Department of Homeland Security’s Remote Identity Validation Technology Demonstration (RIVTD), confirming its effectiveness at detecting spoofing attempts during remote identity verification. Unlike active methods, Aware’s passive approach verifies user presence without requiring actions, reducing friction while enhancing security. The recognition follows earlier success in NIST FATE-PAD evaluations and supports Aware’s expansion into regulated sectors like gaming, finance, and healthcare.
1Kosmos Identity Platform Earns FedRAMP High Authorization for Federal Use
1Kosmos has achieved FedRAMP High Authorization for its identity verification platform, clearing it for use in protecting the most sensitive unclassified data across federal agencies and critical infrastructure. The certification involved meeting 421 security controls and follows the company’s recent Level 2 PAD certification. 1Kosmos is now the only Kantara-certified full-service credential service provider with FedRAMP High status, positioning it to support high-assurance digital identity programs. The platform integrates with systems like Microsoft Entra ID and complies with multiple security standards, offering phishing-resistant authentication in line with federal cybersecurity mandates.
Token Launches Enterprise Biometric Security Keys to Combat Rising ID Fraud
Token has launched BioKey, a new line of FIDO-compliant biometric security keys aimed at enterprise customers seeking phishing-resistant authentication. The lineup includes a USB-only model and the wireless BioKey Plus, both featuring capacitive fingerprint sensors and secure credential storage. The keys support centralized management via Token’s enterprise console and can be updated with new firmware. Designed to counter rising identity fraud and MFA vulnerabilities, BioKey offers a fingerprint-protected layer of security against threats like SIM swapping and prompt bombing.
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June 3, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
