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:
DHS S&T to Expand Identity Tech Challenge Program After Promising Test Results
The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate will expand its Remote Identity Validation Technology Demonstrations, with a new challenge focused on selfie-to-document matching slated for later this year. The most recent tests at the Maryland Test Facility assessed document authentication, selfie liveness detection, and face recognition—where facial recognition showed the strongest performance.
UK’s One Login Digital ID System Loses Key Security Certification
The UK’s Gov.uk One Login digital identity system has lost its certification under the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) after its biometric supplier, iProov, allowed its accreditation to lapse. The move jeopardizes over 50 public services that rely on One Login, including right to work checks and upcoming digital document initiatives like the Gov.uk Wallet. With only 21 of 39 National Cyber Security Centre standards met and prior whistleblower-raised security concerns, the system now faces compliance and interoperability hurdles. Industry groups are calling for One Login’s scope to be restricted to public-sector use only.
Illinois Court Gives Final OK to $50M Clearview Settlement
A federal court in Illinois has approved a $50 million class action settlement in a biometric privacy lawsuit against Clearview AI, resolving claims that the company violated the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act by collecting facial data without consent. Instead of cash payments, class members receive a 23 percent equity stake in Clearview, with future returns dependent on a sale or IPO. The settlement, shaped by Clearview’s limited assets, allows the company to retain collected biometric data and continue its practices. Critics—including 22 state attorneys general—argue the deal offers no deterrent and undermines BIPA’s intent.
Alabama Expands Biometric Surveillance of Undocumented Immigrants Under New Security Law
Alabama has enacted Senate Bill 63, requiring law enforcement to collect fingerprints and DNA from undocumented immigrants in custody, citing public safety and voter ID concerns. Governor Kay Ivey and state officials argue the law enhances criminal tracking and aligns with election security efforts. Civil liberties groups warn the measure risks racial profiling, privacy violations, and redundancy with existing federal databases. Passed alongside SB158, which bans foreign national driver’s licenses as voter ID, the laws are part of a broader push for stricter immigration enforcement and biometric surveillance in the state.
NZ Launches Digital ID App to Streamline Verification for Locals and Tourists
New Zealand has launched NZ Verify / Whakatūturu, a free mobile app that enables digital identity verification for residents and visitors without requiring physical ID. Backed by the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework, the app supports mobile driver’s licences from select U.S. states and Queensland, with broader compatibility planned. It allows users to control what information they share, stores no personal data, and aligns with upcoming biometric privacy regulations. The app is intended for settings like hotels and car rentals and is expected to reduce administrative overhead while supporting tourism and secure digital ID adoption.
Melbourne Plans AI-Powered Facial Recognition Upgrade for City CCTV Network
Melbourne’s city council is reviewing a proposal to upgrade its 280-camera CCTV network with facial recognition and AI capabilities, enabling automated detection of criminal behavior, public nuisances, and urban maintenance issues. A report due in June will assess technologies including gait recognition and object tracking, alongside legal and privacy implications. The initiative has drawn criticism over the absence of clear federal regulation on facial recognition, with advocates urging caution.
Saskatchewan Police to Deploy Advanced Biometric Monitoring in Detention Cells
Prince Albert Police and the Saskatchewan Marshals will pilot biometric monitoring in 12 detention cells starting late 2025, using contactless sensors from GT Global Services to track vital signs and body motion in real time. The system, which activates only when cells are occupied and stores no personal data, is intended to improve inmate safety and medical response times without replacing routine checks. This marks the Marshals’ first major tech initiative and reflects a broader trend toward biometric custody monitoring in Canada and the U.S. If successful, the program may expand province-wide.
SIA Names FaceFirst Advisor Dan Merkle as New AI Advisory Board Chair
The Security Industry Association has named Dan Merkle as chair of its AI Advisory Board. Merkle, CEO of Lexipol and advisor to FaceFirst, will lead efforts to promote responsible AI deployment in security, including engagement with regulators, development of training resources, and standards support via NIST. His appointment follows growing scrutiny of AI in public safety contexts, with the board playing a key role in navigating ethical, privacy, and governance concerns. Merkle succeeds Bill Bozeman, who helped establish the board’s foundational initiatives.
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May 13, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
