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:
Keyless Joins Canadian Digital ID Council to Advance Privacy-First Solutions
Keyless has joined the Digital Identification and Authentication Council of Canada to support the development of a secure, privacy-focused digital identity framework. The company offers biometric authentication that verifies identity without storing or transmitting biometric data, aligning with DIACC’s privacy-first principles. Keyless’s technology is used in high-trust digital actions and recently achieved eIDAS certification and strong performance in NIST testing. The move follows its enterprise integration with Silverfort and reflects growing demand in Canada for secure, privacy-preserving identity solutions as national digital ID efforts progress.
Walmart Settles Privacy Lawsuit Over Spark Delivery Biometric Scans
Walmart has settled a biometric privacy lawsuit involving its Spark delivery platform, avoiding a June trial over claims it collected biometric data without proper consent, in violation of Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The suit alleged that Walmart used facial recognition and video selfies to verify drivers without adequate disclosure. The company previously settled similar biometric cases, including a $10 million agreement over employee fingerprint data. The case reflects broader legal scrutiny of biometric verification tools in gig economy platforms and highlights rising privacy risks for firms deploying such technologies in states with stringent biometric laws.
NEXT Biometrics Lands $10M Indian Contract for Global Fingerprint Sensors
NEXT Biometrics has secured a purchase order worth up to $10.1 million from India’s ACPL for fingerprint sensors to be deployed in six countries, including India, Chile, and South Africa. The deal includes both standard and advanced sensor models, with shipments beginning in Q2. The order follows Aadhaar L1 certification and marks a rebound after earlier revenue challenges tied to Indian program delays. It also signals growing adoption of NEXT’s biometric tech in financial inclusion and identity initiatives across emerging markets, backed by international certifications and a deepening strategic partnership with ACPL.
California Pilots New Digital ID Platforms to Expand Public Service Access
California is expanding digital ID pilots to streamline access to public services, building on its mobile driver’s license and a Login.gov-based transit discount program. New efforts involve partnerships with state and federal agencies to validate identity and eligibility for benefits in areas like healthcare and utilities. The state is also working on a digital portal for determining aid eligibility. Privacy remains central, with data-sharing architecture designed to give residents control and compliance with the Delete Act. These initiatives reflect a shift toward integrated, identity-based service delivery across California’s government infrastructure.
Alberta Court Upholds Ban on Clearview AI Facial Recognition Services
An Alberta court has upheld the province’s ban on Clearview AI, affirming that the company’s facial recognition practices violate the Personal Information Protection Act by collecting biometric data without consent. This follows similar findings in British Columbia and Quebec. Clearview left Canada in 2020 but has not formally committed to staying out. The ruling comes amid ongoing U.S. legal challenges, including a $51.75 million settlement in Illinois and restrictions from a prior ACLU case. The company, now under new leadership, is shifting its focus to U.S. federal contracts as regulatory scrutiny of biometric surveillance intensifies.
Guinea Launches Biometric Voter Registration Ahead of 2025 Elections
Guinea has begun nationwide biometric voter registration ahead of December legislative and presidential elections, collecting iris and fingerprint data to issue voter cards. The effort follows a promised September constitutional referendum and is part of the military junta’s delayed transition to civilian rule after seizing power in 2021. Opposition groups have rejected the process, citing unilateral control by the junta, lack of transparency, and ongoing repression. Critics warn that the draft constitution could enable junta leader Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya to run for president, despite earlier pledges to the contrary. ECOWAS and civil society groups continue to press for credible, inclusive elections.
BioCatch and Alloy Partner to Boost Digital Banking Security with Biometrics
BioCatch and Alloy have partnered to integrate behavioral biometric intelligence into Alloy’s identity risk platform, enabling real-time analysis of user behavior for fraud detection and identity verification. The integration targets threats like synthetic identity fraud while helping financial institutions meet evolving compliance standards. BioCatch, recently acquired by Permira for $1.3 billion, continues expanding its global footprint and collaborative initiatives, including a behavioral fraud detection network launched with Australian banks. The partnership underscores the financial sector’s shift toward layered, behavior-based risk management strategies.
Global Digital Trust Survey Shows China Leads, Japan Lags in Consumer Confidence
Checkout.com has released its first Digital Economy Trust Index, ranking consumer confidence in digital platforms across 16 countries based on security, transparency, and user experience. China topped the list with a trust score of 8.6, while Japan ranked lowest at 2.6. The report links higher digital trust with stronger GDP growth, emphasizing the importance of confidence in payment security and AI tools. New Zealand led in trust toward AI and digital identity, while the U.S. showed uneven trust levels across technologies. The findings highlight that digital infrastructure alone does not guarantee consumer trust, underscoring the need for transparent and secure digital ecosystems.
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May 14, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
