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:
FIDO Alliance Launches Payment Authentication Working Group
The FIDO Alliance has launched a Payments Working Group to develop standards for passwordless authentication in digital transactions, reflecting growing industry adoption of passkeys and biometrics in financial services. The group will address payment-specific challenges and build on FIDO’s existing efforts to advance secure, phishing-resistant authentication.
World Digital ID Platform Launches in Six US Cities, Plans Major Expansion
World, formerly Worldcoin, has launched in six U.S. cities with its biometric identity platform, introducing iris-scanning “Orbs” to verify users and issue World IDs. The expansion includes partnerships with Visa, Match Group, and Stripe, alongside plans to quadruple Orb deployments and manufacture devices in Texas, amid growing U.S. regulatory openness to digital ID and blockchain technologies.
OpenID Foundation to Demo Next-Gen Digital ID Tech with Major Tech Partners
The OpenID Foundation will host a global virtual demo on May 5, 2025, to showcase interoperability across digital identity platforms using standards like OID4VP, HAIP, and DC API. Tech firms and government agencies will demonstrate credential exchange involving formats such as ISO mDLs and SD-JWTs, aiming to validate real-world compatibility for scalable, privacy-preserving digital ID systems.
La Rioja Seeks Biometric Signature Solution for EHR Integration Under EU Recovery Plan
La Rioja’s regional health service has issued a €316,260 tender for a biometric signature system to integrate with its EHR platforms, replacing paper consent forms in primary and hospital care. Funded by the EU’s Recovery Facility, the project includes 350 signature devices and must meet Spanish legal standards, with bids due by May 14, 2025.
Oklahoma Senator Pushes Resolution to Preserve REAL ID Opt-Out Rights
Oklahoma State Senator Kendal Sacchieri has introduced a non-binding resolution reaffirming residents’ right to opt out of REAL ID, citing privacy concerns ahead of the May 7, 2025 federal enforcement deadline. While symbolic, the measure highlights tensions over biometric data collection and federal compliance, as noncompliant IDs will no longer permit air travel or access to federal facilities.
China Mandates Privacy Audits for Firms Handling Data of 10M+ Users
China’s new data privacy rules, effective today, require organizations processing personal data of over 10 million individuals to conduct compliance audits every two years. The measures expand oversight under the PIPL, apply to both domestic and foreign firms, and impose steep penalties for noncompliance, particularly affecting sectors like tech, finance, and healthcare.
Gunnebo Deploys 150 Biometric Gates at China Airport
Gunnebo Entrance Control has installed over 150 biometric boarding gates at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport’s Terminal 3, integrating facial recognition and behavioral analytics to enhance security and streamline passenger flow. The deployment is one of Asia’s largest and reflects China’s broader adoption of AI-driven, contactless airport infrastructure.
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May 1, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
