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:
Metalenz Begins Customer Integration Trials for Polar ID, Eyes 2026 Deployment
Metalenz has begun integration trials for its new Polar ID facial recognition system, which uses metasurface optics and polarization imaging to detect depth, shape, and material properties—enhancing spoof resistance against masks and deepfakes. CEO Rob Devlin says commercial deployments could begin by 2026, with the goal of bringing high-security face authentication to a broader range of Android devices. Unlike traditional systems, Polar ID combines nanostructured lenses with machine learning for liveness detection and image reconstruction. Metalenz is also exploring additional use cases in health and environmental sensing as part of its shift toward full-system biometric solutions.
US Air Force Moves to Sole-Source Parsons’ Javelin Biometric Kits
The U.S. Air Force plans to issue a sole-source contract to Parsons Corporation for two Javelin+ Mobile Biometric Collection Kits, citing the company’s unique ability to meet technical and operational requirements. The Android-based kits collect facial, fingerprint, and iris data using Parsons’ proprietary Ares software, supporting field missions like checkpoint validation and detainee processing. Though not a competitive bid, the Air Force will review alternative submissions until May 22. If no viable alternatives emerge, the award will proceed under sole-source provisions at Keesler AFB in Mississippi.
AU10TIX Launches Real-Time Risk Monitoring to Combat AI-Generated Fraud
AU10TIX has launched a continuous risk monitoring feature within its AML platform, providing real-time insights across the customer lifecycle. The system scans over 100 sanctions lists, 1,600 government sites, and 30,000 media sources to detect threats, supporting both KYC and KYB processes via a single API. Features include adaptive risk scoring, customizable thresholds, and automated due diligence. The move responds to a rise in AI-generated fraud, which accounted for 75 percent of attacks in 2024. The launch reflects AU10TIX’s shift toward proactive risk management in financial crime prevention and regulatory compliance.
Telaeris Mobile Security Platform Achieves LenelS2 OnGuard Certification
Telaeris’s XPressEntry handheld system is now certified and fully integrated with LenelS2’s OnGuard v8.3, enabling mobile credential verification and emergency mustering in real time. The integration supports badge scans, fingerprint, and facial recognition, even in offline or network-restricted environments. XPressEntry offers live occupancy tracking, remote roll calls, and supports a range of use cases including time tracking, mobile enrollment, and visitor management. Compatible with OnGuard v7.0+, the system reflects growing demand for flexible, mobile access control solutions across high-security and operationally diverse industries.
Trust Stamp and Partisia Partner to Enhance Biometric Identity Security
Trust Stamp and Partisia have partnered to create a decentralized identity solution that binds biometrics to digital credentials without storing templates or relying on central databases. The system uses Trust Stamp’s one-way biometric transformation and Partisia’s Multi-Party Computation to enable secure, privacy-preserving verification. Designed for interoperability via the GODS Network, the solution supports cross-platform use while giving individuals control over their data. It targets sectors with high regulatory and privacy demands and may help mitigate risks like deepfake fraud. Pilot implementations are in progress, with no public launch date announced.
Alberta Court Strikes Down Privacy Law as Unconstitutional in Landmark Ruling
Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench has ruled parts of the province’s Personal Information Protection Act unconstitutional, citing its failure to address digital-era issues such as online public data and biometric privacy. The case arose from Clearview AI’s challenge to a provincial order banning its facial recognition services. The court criticized the law’s vague definition of “publicly available” data and its handling of biometric information, granting the government a window to amend the statute. A new privacy law is set to take effect this spring, with implications likely to influence broader reforms across Canada.
Nigeria Launches NINAuth Platform for Digital Identity Verification
Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission has launched NINAuth, a digital platform for real-time authentication of National Identification Numbers across federal services. Mandated for use by all government agencies, NINAuth supports identity verification for processes like SIM registration, passports, tax filings, and driver’s licenses. The system emphasizes consent-based access and encrypted communications, aligning with national data protection standards. Available via web, mobile, and API, it enables integration into diverse service workflows. NINAuth is part of a broader push to centralize Nigeria’s identity infrastructure, with over 120 million individuals now enrolled in the National Identity Database.
Meta Earth’s Digital ID Platform Hits 1M Users Across 40 Countries
Meta Earth has launched ME Network v2.0, a modular blockchain supporting decentralized identity and Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) through its ME ID protocol and MEC token system. Over 1 million users in 40+ countries have verified their identities using zero-knowledge proofs, each receiving one staked token to earn daily rewards. The updated platform includes daily incentives, referral-based node rewards, and a dual-token model to sustain UBI. Built on a layered architecture, ME Network enables custom app development via its upcoming SDK and emphasizes community governance, privacy, and green digital economy principles.
Court Greenlights Privacy Lawsuit Over Coinbase Facial Scan Collection
A federal court has allowed a class action lawsuit against Coinbase to proceed, rejecting the company’s attempt to force arbitration. The suit alleges violations of Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act, claiming Coinbase collected facial scans and possibly fingerprints during identity verification without securing written consent or disclosing data retention policies. Plaintiffs also allege unauthorized sharing of biometric data with third parties like Jumio and Onfido. The case may expose Coinbase to significant statutory damages and highlights growing legal risks for biometric data use in the crypto sector, where transparency and compliance remain under scrutiny.
Madagascar Awards €18M Biometric ID Contract to Idemia, Thales Partnership
Madagascar has awarded a €18 million contract to Idemia, Thales, and Laxton for a new national biometric ID system under the World Bank–funded PRODIGY program. Idemia and Thales will provide core biometric and credentialing platforms, while Laxton will supply enrolment kits and software. The initiative aims to modernize civil registration and introduce a unique digital ID to improve service delivery and election integrity. Initial enrolment will target adults lacking formal IDs, with expansion planned to births and life events. Implementation is pending World Bank approval, with civil society urging strong data protection and oversight mechanisms.
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May 15, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
