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:
China Bans Mandatory Facial Recognition for Business ID Verification
China’s cybersecurity regulators have introduced new regulations prohibiting businesses from mandating facial recognition for identity verification starting June 1, 2025. Issued jointly by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security, the rules require alternative verification options, clear signage indicating facial recognition use, and explicit consent from individuals. Specifically targeting commercial and residential applications, these regulations reflect growing domestic and global privacy concerns and follow a 2021 Supreme Court ruling restricting facial recognition in commercial public spaces. Security authorities remain exempt from these new limitations.
Clearview AI Finalizes $51.7M Settlement in Illinois Privacy Lawsuit
Clearview AI’s $51.75 million settlement resolving allegations of biometric privacy violations under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) has received final approval from a U.S. federal judge. The settlement requires Clearview to create an opt-out system, delete certain biometric data of Illinois residents, and limit future data collection in the state. The agreement follows heightened scrutiny of Clearview’s practices, amid ongoing litigation and regulatory actions, potentially influencing broader legal standards on biometric privacy and consent requirements.
New Facephi Algo Achieves Strong Accuracy Score in Latest NIST Test
Facephi’s latest facial recognition SDK, facephi-002, achieved strong results in NIST’s Facial Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) 1:1 testing, reaching a security threshold of one in a million (0.0001 percent False Match Rate). The SDK excelled particularly in challenging conditions, such as significant age variations and angled facial images up to 45 degrees, surpassing several prominent competitors. These results reaffirm Facephi’s ongoing commitment to biometric accuracy and compliance with stringent industry standards, further solidifying its position in the highly competitive global biometric market.
Queensland Plans All-in-One Digital ID App as License Adoption Lags
Queensland’s Customer Services Minister, Steve Minnikin, has proposed creating a unified digital platform to streamline access to government licences, permits, and vouchers, aiming to boost low adoption rates of the state’s existing digital licence app. Despite over $50 million invested, just 20 percent of Queensland drivers currently use the app, with Minister Minnikin describing it as cumbersome. The state aims to emulate the successful Service NSW model, integrating user-friendly features and extensive digital services. Meanwhile, ABI Research recognized Queensland’s current app as a potential global benchmark for digital IDs due to its collaborative approach and ISO compliance.
Spain Orders UK Expats to Update Biometric ID Cards Before EU Border Changes
British nationals residing in Spain must upgrade from the older green residency certificates to biometric TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) cards by October, or risk being flagged as overstayers under the EU’s new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES). Spain’s green certificates won’t be recognized by EES, which launches in phases from October 2025, tracking non-EU visitors’ biometric data to enforce visa-free stay limits. The British Embassy urges prompt action, warning that delays could result in denied entry or forced departures, recommending early applications due to processing times.
Social Security to End Phone ID Verification, Require Digital or In-Person Checks
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will require beneficiaries to verify their identities either online through the “my Social Security” portal or in-person at local SSA offices starting March 31, 2025, removing the current phone verification option. Intended to combat fraud, the policy has sparked criticism from advocacy groups and lawmakers concerned about accessibility challenges, particularly for seniors, rural residents, and disabled individuals. Amidst office closures and staff reductions, beneficiaries are advised to create online accounts early or prepare for longer waits at SSA offices, reflecting a broader federal shift toward stricter digital identity standards.
Estonia to Ban Non-Biometric Russian Passports Starting March 2025
Estonia will cease accepting non-biometric Russian passports starting March 31, 2025, requiring Russian nationals with Estonian or EU residence permits to obtain biometric passports by September 30, 2025. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited security concerns, emphasizing the older passports’ non-compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The policy shift aligns with Estonia’s broader biometric security measures, such as fingerprint-enabled ID cards, and mirrors recent actions by Denmark and the Czech Republic, reflecting a global move toward more secure e-passport technologies.
iDenfy Partners with Evemo to Secure Shared Mobility User Verification
Lithuania’s iDenfy has partnered with mobility solutions provider Evemo to streamline and secure customer onboarding for shared transportation services, including cars, bikes, and scooters. Evemo will use iDenfy’s automated identity verification system, improving conversion rates with rapid registration and GDPR-compliant data handling. Evemo will only pay for successful verifications, enabling cost-effective scalability. The partnership reinforces iDenfy’s expansion across sectors, demonstrating its flexibility in meeting diverse AML and KYC compliance requirements, while Evemo enhances user experience and regulatory compliance in European markets.
Feedzai Opens New York Innovation Hub
Feedzai has opened a new U.S. headquarters in New York City, featuring a dedicated Client Center designed to facilitate collaboration between financial institutions, AI specialists, and industry experts in advancing fraud prevention technologies. This expansion follows Feedzai’s recent partnership with Mastercard and its acquisition of Revelock to enhance biometric security. The headquarters positions Feedzai to tackle rising digital financial threats—such as increased card fraud attempts—by leveraging deep AI expertise and fostering innovation within one of the world’s leading financial centers.
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March 21, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
