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:
Moldova Issues Biometric Data Capture Tender Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Moldova has issued a tender for biometric data capture solutions valued at 1,548,000 MDL, marking a step toward modernizing its identity verification infrastructure. The contract, overseen by the Public Services Agency, will be awarded based on the lowest price criterion through a single-stage procedure. The deadline for submissions is April 8, 2025, with a 90-day delivery requirement. The procurement process follows EU regulations, requiring electronic submissions with an advanced digital signature. Moldova’s adoption of EU procurement directives reflects its broader push for European integration while navigating regional security challenges. Strengthening biometric systems could support future alignment with EU digital identity frameworks, border security measures, or visa liberalization efforts. The contract’s award may attract geopolitical scrutiny, particularly if a Russian or Chinese firm secures it, raising concerns over data sovereignty.
Utah First to Mandate Age Checks for App Store Downloads
Utah has become the first U.S. state to mandate age verification for app store downloads, requiring platform operators like Apple and Google to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors. The App Store Accountability Act shifts responsibility from individual developers to platform operators, requiring them to implement “commercially available” age verification methods and encrypt collected data. The law aligns with growing state-level digital privacy efforts, such as Colorado’s recent updates to its Privacy Act. Apple’s mobile ID partnerships and Google’s development of authentication technologies suggest they may have existing infrastructure to comply. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about data security, but the law mandates industry-standard encryption.
Sri Lanka Orders 700,000 Biometric ID Cards in National Digital Push
Sri Lanka has procured 700,000 polycarbonate electronic National Identity Cards from Thales as part of its national digital identity initiative. The Department of Registration of Persons confirmed that an additional 1.6 million e-NICs will be required to meet full national demand. The new ID cards will include biometric features such as fingerprint recognition, iris scanning, and facial recognition technology. The initiative integrates with the Sri Lanka Unique Digital ID project, centralizing identification through unique numbers linked to birth certificates and tax records. Sri Lankan banks are already using the system for client verification, and a digital population registry is being established in Colombo.
Aware Appoints Biometrics Veteran Brian Krause as Chief Revenue Officer
Aware, Inc. has appointed Brian Krause as Chief Revenue Officer, strengthening its executive team with his extensive experience in biometric and digital identity technology. Krause has held leadership roles at Incode Technologies, IDEMIA, and NEC Corporation of America. In his new role, he will lead Aware’s global sales efforts, drive revenue growth, and expand the company’s market presence. CEO Ajay Amlani emphasized Krause’s expertise in scaling biometric solutions as a key asset for the company’s expansion. The appointment comes as consumer acceptance of biometric authentication continues to grow, presenting new market opportunities.
Taiwan Unveils Digital Certificate Wallet for National ID System by 2025
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has introduced a prototype of the “Digital Certificate Wallet,” a key step in the country’s digital identity infrastructure. Set for full deployment by December 2025, the system aims to enhance security and streamline digital transactions while maintaining strong privacy protections. The initiative follows Taiwan’s earlier biometric security efforts, including facial recognition technology in public banks. The Digital Certificate Wallet aligns with global trends, mirroring the European Commission’s Digital Business Wallet and similar efforts in the Philippines.
Judge Allows Privacy Claims to Proceed in ByteDance CapCut Data Collection Suit
A federal judge has partially granted ByteDance’s motion to dismiss class action claims over its CapCut video editing app while allowing privacy and biometric data collection allegations to proceed. U.S. District Court Judge Georgia Alexakis ruled that plaintiffs can pursue claims that CapCut violated California privacy laws through unauthorized data collection. The lawsuit, filed in July 2023, alleges that ByteDance improperly gathered user data, including biometric information, for AI development and targeted advertising. While some federal and state claims were dismissed without prejudice, the judge rejected ByteDance’s argument for full dismissal, citing unresolved questions about users’ awareness of CapCut’s privacy terms. This case follows previous legal challenges against ByteDance, including lawsuits related to TikTok’s biometric data practices under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act.
Illinois Fire Safety Firm Settles Fingerprint Privacy Lawsuit with Ex-Driver
Viking SupplyNet has reached a settlement in a biometric privacy lawsuit filed under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by former delivery driver Jeffrey Schwartz. The lawsuit alleged that the company required Schwartz to scan his fingerprint for timekeeping “at least twice per shift” without obtaining proper consent or providing legally required disclosures. The settlement follows a February 2023 Illinois Supreme Court ruling that established a five-year statute of limitations for BIPA claims. While the terms remain confidential, the case reflects a growing trend of BIPA lawsuits targeting employers that use biometric time-tracking systems.
Pakistan Launches First Digital National ID Card in Major Tech Milestone
Pakistan has introduced its first “dematerialized digital identity card,” marking a major step in its digital transformation. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) unveiled the initiative during its Silver Jubilee ceremony, highlighting the country’s shift from traditional identification methods to advanced digital identity solutions. The new digital ID integrates NADRA’s biometric verification infrastructure and aligns with Pakistan’s broader Digital Economy Enhancement Project. The announcement follows the introduction of biometric features for child identification earlier this year. The digital ID rollout coincides with the adoption of AI and semiconductor policies, a Cloud First strategy, and preparations for 5G deployment.
New Palm Vein Scanner Uses Light Spectrum Analysis for Enhanced Security
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a hyperspectral imaging-based biometric authentication system that analyzes palm vein patterns, offering greater security than traditional biometric methods. The system captures over 100 images across visible and near-infrared wavelengths, revealing detailed vein structures invisible to the naked eye. By measuring how hemoglobin absorbs light, the technology creates a unique, forgery-resistant biometric profile. Led by Dr. Takashi Suzuki, the research builds on vein-based authentication systems like Fujitsu’s PalmSecure but enhances security through internal feature detection. The non-invasive approach allows for potential health monitoring applications, with researchers exploring the possibility of integrating daily health tracking into biometric unlocking. This breakthrough could transform high-security authentication while expanding into medical diagnostics.
Borneo Plans Facial Recognition Rollout for Government Worker Tracking
Borneo officials have proposed integrating facial recognition technology into the public sector’s Human Resources System (SSM) to enhance employee attendance tracking and workforce management. The initiative, discussed in a recent legislative council meeting, aims to replace the current system that relies on QR codes and GPS coordinates with a more secure and accurate biometric solution. The proposed system will use artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms to verify employee identities by comparing captured facial images against a stored database. Additionally, officials are considering a mobile application that integrates facial recognition with geometric credential verification for dual authentication.
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March 10, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
