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:
Biometric Payment Cards Face Slow Growth as High Costs Limit Adoption
A new ABI Research report suggests biometric payment cards face major barriers limiting mass-market adoption, projecting shipments of only 1.27 million units by 2029, up modestly from 310,000 in 2023. High manufacturing costs—$15-20 per unit, nearly ten times standard contactless cards—and production complexities have significantly hindered scalability. The recent bankruptcy of pioneering firm Zwipe underscores these challenges, prompting industry leaders like IDEMIA, Thales, and IDEX Biometrics to pivot toward alternative applications, including access control and crypto wallets. ABI predicts limited market growth unless meaningful success occurs within 12-24 months.
Outseer Debuts Native Behavioral Biometrics for Frictionless Fraud Prevention
Outseer has introduced platform-native behavioral biometrics to enhance fraud detection in digital banking and e-commerce by continuously analyzing user behaviors such as typing rhythm, mouse movements, and device handling. Integrated directly into Outseer’s fraud prevention system, the capability provides real-time, frictionless authentication without disrupting legitimate transactions, aligning with 3-D Secure (3DS) protocols. The technology aims to lower cart abandonment rates while offering strong security through passive anomaly detection, addressing the banking industry’s growing need to balance user convenience and fraud prevention.
Nymi and Fingerprints Launch Industrial Wearable for Secure Worker Access
Nymi and Fingerprints have collaborated on the Nymi Band 4, a biometric wearable device designed for secure, passwordless authentication in challenging industrial settings like pharmaceutical manufacturing and cleanrooms. Featuring Fingerprints’ biometric sensors, the Nymi Band 4 offers continuous user authentication and gesture-based controls, enabling workers to securely interact with shared terminals without removing protective gear. Already adopted by 14 of the top 15 global pharmaceutical companies, the device supports multi-factor authentication and prioritizes user privacy, addressing increasing security and compliance demands in regulated industries.
Security Industry Association Names Access Control Expert Lee Odess to Board
The Security Industry Association (SIA) has appointed access control specialist Lee Odess to its Board of Directors, enhancing the organization’s expertise in digital transformation and emerging security technologies. Odess joins as SIA deepens its focus on identity democratization, a trend highlighted in its recent 2025 Security Megatrends report. This appointment reflects SIA’s strategy of strengthening leadership and expanding its advisory boards to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and evolving industry demands.
Vietnam Mandates Biometric Authentication at All Border Points by 2025
Vietnam’s Prime Minister has mandated biometric authentication deployment at all airports, ports, and border gates by September 2025, using the national VNeID platform to enhance security and expedite traveler processing. This directive, part of Vietnam’s Project 06 digital transformation plan, also includes establishing biometric-enabled online visa systems by April 2025 and issuing electronic IDs for Vietnamese citizens abroad. The initiative lines up with Vietnam’s National Data Strategy, aiming for full implementation by mid-2025, and is expected to boost the facial recognition market significantly, projected to reach USD 59.83 million by 2028.
1Kosmos Unveils 1Key Biometric Solution for Secure Shared Account Access
1Kosmos has introduced 1Key, a FIDO-compliant biometric authentication solution aimed at securing shared login environments in sectors such as hospitality, operational technology, and collaborative workplaces. The device uses fingerprint biometrics to eliminate traditional shared passwords, enabling secure, accountable access for multiple users, while maintaining detailed audit trails. Integrating with privileged access management tools like CyberArk, 1Key addresses security gaps inherent in shared accounts, reflecting increasing enterprise demand for passwordless technologies. The product targets industries like manufacturing, healthcare, call centers, and retail, offering streamlined authentication without compromising user accountability.
IATA Urges Global Aviation Industry to Fast-Track Digital ID Standards
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging rapid adoption of digital identity technologies, including verifiable credentials (VCs) and decentralized identifiers (DIDs), through its One ID initiative to enhance security and streamline global airport processes. Following successful pilots such as the recent Hong Kong-Tokyo biometric trial, which reduced airport processing times by 40 percent, IATA calls for government and industry collaboration to integrate digital identity into aviation security frameworks. The association seeks global standards to overcome privacy and interoperability challenges, aiming for endorsement at the upcoming ICAO assembly.
Guest Post: E-Houwiya: A Milestone in Tunisia’s Digital Transformation Roadmap 2025
Tunisia’s national digital identity system, E-Houwiya, which launched in August 2022, has expanded to the banking sector, significantly advancing financial inclusion by enabling secure online access to banking and fintech services. Former Minister Dr. Nizar Ben Neji, a leading architect of the solution, details E-Houwiya’s success in this guest article. The system currently serves 200,000 citizens, offering simplified, secure digital identification compliant with international standards. Citizens use it to authenticate online transactions, digitally sign documents, and streamline interactions with public services. Issued free of charge and legally equivalent to physical IDs, E-Houwiya integrates seamlessly as a single sign-on across government portals, highlighting Tunisia’s commitment to inclusive digital transformation.
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March 19, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
