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:
Trucking Tech Firm Adds Auto-Disable Feature to Comply with BIPA
Lytx has introduced a geofencing feature that disables video recording when trucks enter Illinois, aiming to comply with the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The move follows a $4.25 million settlement over alleged improper biometric data collection and reflects heightened legal risk after a court ruled insurers aren’t obligated to cover BIPA-related claims. The GPS-based solution marks one of the first tech adaptations targeting Illinois’ strict biometric privacy laws, particularly impacting the trucking industry’s use of driver-facing cameras.
NIST Announces Virtual Biometric Technology Conference
NIST will host the International Face and Fingerprint Performance Conference (IFPC) online from April 1–3, 2025, in partnership with DHS S&T and the European Association for Biometrics. The free virtual event will focus on biometric system performance, transparency, and trust, featuring deep technical sessions on facial recognition and fingerprint technologies. Key topics include demographic impacts, morphing and attack detection, quality standards, and statistical modeling. Speakers include experts from NIST, FBI, IDEMIA, and international agencies. The event also features an open call for technical and policy presentations related to biometric performance and security.
Asda Tests Facial Recognition in Manchester Stores to Fight Retail Crime
Asda has begun a two-month facial recognition trial at five Greater Manchester stores to address rising retail crime and employee assaults, which cost the company £500 million annually. The system integrates with CCTV to flag individuals previously involved in store incidents, enabling real-time alerts to staff. While part of a broader trend of biometric adoption in UK retail, the move has drawn criticism from privacy advocates like Big Brother Watch. The trial’s outcome could shape future security strategies across the sector.
Taiwan Launches Digital ID Wallet Sandbox to Test National Credential System
Taiwan’s digital ministry has launched a sandbox program for its new Digital Credential Wallet, inviting public testing by industry and academic stakeholders ahead of a full rollout. The mobile-based wallet will store personal documents for tasks like filling prescriptions or renting cars, with security features including password and biometric authentication, and future multi-factor options. The initiative aligns with Taiwan’s broader digital infrastructure goals, with plans to integrate payment service compatibility and release a test version before the end of 2025.
PNG Launches SevisPass Digital ID System to Modernize Security Sector
Papua New Guinea has launched SevisPass, its first Digital ID system focused on the security sector, as part of a broader digital transformation strategy. Jointly developed by the ICT and Police ministries, the system aims to modernize identification processes, enhance security, and improve public service delivery. Initially targeting the security sector, SevisPass may later expand to other departments, supporting private sector engagement and aligning with regional trends in phased digital ID adoption across the Pacific.
BIO-key Teams with Arrow ECS to Expand IAM Solutions in Spain, Portugal
BIO-key has partnered with Arrow ECS Iberia to expand its Identity and Access Management offerings in Spain and Portugal, focusing on sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public infrastructure. The partnership, to be formally announced at an April 2 event in Lisbon, adds Arrow to BIO-key’s Channel Alliance Partner program and includes support for MFA, SSO, and Identity-Bound Biometrics. Arrow will provide technical training, pre-sales, and deployment assistance, with an emphasis on NIS2 and GDPR compliance. The move follows BIO-key’s broader European expansion, including recent deployments in Denmark and California.
Fingerprint Cards Expands India Reach Through SMET Distribution Deal
Fingerprint Cards AB has partnered with India’s SM Electronic Technologies to distribute its fingerprint and iris recognition solutions, aiming to expand in the country’s growing biometrics market. The move follows Fingerprints’ financial restructuring and coincides with potential regulatory changes from India’s central bank that could mandate biometric authentication for online payments. SMET’s experience with Aadhaar and local distribution networks is expected to support broader adoption across sectors including finance, government, and automotive.
–
March 31, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
