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:
Biometrics Institute Updates Privacy Guidelines to Address AI and Neurotechnology
The Biometrics Institute has released its updated 2025 Privacy Guidelines, expanding its long-standing framework to address artificial intelligence and emerging neuro-technologies. Built on 18 core principles – including consent, proportionality, and data protection – the new edition adds detailed guidance on AI integration, algorithmic accountability, and the ethical use of brainwave biometrics. Each principle now features real-world examples and practical questions for implementation. The globally oriented guidelines aim to support a wide range of stakeholders as biometric systems grow more complex and regulated, providing a practical tool to align innovation with privacy and compliance expectations across sectors.
White House Orders Major Review of Federal Biometric Data Programs
The White House has launched a broad review of all federal biometric programs, led by the Homeland Security Council and coordinated by Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller. The review focuses on key systems such as DHS’s OBIM and the delayed HART program, as well as CBP’s Traveler Verification Service. The effort follows concerns about cost overruns, logistical issues, and privacy risks tied to expanding facial recognition use. The newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is now overseeing OBIM, while the GAO and lawmakers prepare audits and hearings. The review could signal major reforms in federal biometric policy and oversight.
EU Launches Unified Biometric System for Border Security and Migration
The European Commission has launched its shared biometric matching service (sBMS), a central system supporting fingerprint and facial recognition across key EU security databases. Managed by eu-LISA, the sBMS integrates with systems like VIS, EES, SIS, Eurodac, and ECRIS-TCN to enhance identity resolution and information sharing. It currently stores around 400 million biometric templates and operates under strict GDPR-compliant privacy controls. The launch sets the stage for the Entry/Exit System rollout in October 2025, followed by ETIAS in 2026. While facial scans will streamline border checks for non-EU travelers, manual processes will run in parallel during initial deployment.
BC Court Rejects Class Action Over Mall Facial Recognition Data Collection
The Supreme Court of British Columbia has denied certification of a proposed class action against Cadillac Fairview over alleged unauthorized biometric data collection in shopping malls. The court found the plaintiffs failed to show a definable class or common legal issues, citing technical evidence that the facial data collected was not identifiable or traceable to individuals. Without proof of harm or ongoing data use, and given the company’s deletion of the data and termination of the project, the court ruled a class action was not the preferable legal path. The decision may impact similar paused litigation in Quebec.
Malawi to Launch Mandatory Biometric SIM Registration in July 2025
Malawi will begin nationwide biometric SIM card registration on July 1, 2025, requiring all mobile users to link their SIMs to fingerprint or facial data by the end of September. The initiative, led by MACRA in partnership with the National Registration Bureau, aims to combat mobile fraud and enhance telecom security. Non-compliance may result in daily fines. Critics have raised concerns over data privacy, the lack of a data protection law, limited ID access, and the timing just before the general election. Stakeholder consultations and public education efforts are ongoing to address these issues ahead of the rollout.
IDEX Biometrics Shifts Focus from Payment Cards to Access Control Market
IDEX Biometrics has announced a strategic pivot from biometric payment cards to the access control market, aiming to capitalize on the growing FIDO authentication sector projected to reach $5.72 billion by 2029. The move follows underwhelming commercial returns in payments despite $350 million invested. IDEX sees fewer regulatory hurdles and greater scalability in access control, where security needs are rising. The company reported $100,000 in Q1 revenue and a $4.1 million net loss, with plans to reduce quarterly expenses. This shift mirrors trends in the biometric sector, as firms pursue more viable paths to adoption and profitability.
Precise Biometrics Expands Visitor Management Business With Cloud-First Upgrades and New Customer Wins
Precise Biometrics has rolled out new features and a rebrand of its visitor management platform, now called Precise Visit by EastCoast, reflecting growing adoption of cloud-based identity solutions. The updated system supports biometric and QR code check-ins, signed confidentiality agreements, SSO, and integration with access control systems. A hardware-free option targets smaller clients. Following a soft launch, the company has expanded across the Nordics and internationally, securing new framework agreements and cloud-only contracts in regions including Japan, Australia, and Germany. Continued feature rollouts and geographic expansion are planned throughout 2025 to support growth.
Brazil to Require Biometric Verification for Social Security Loans by 2025
Starting May 23, 2025, Brazil’s INSS will mandate biometric authentication via the Meu INSS platform for all new payroll-deductible loans and loan transfers, aiming to prevent fraud and unauthorized deductions. The move follows a suspension of new loans earlier in May and comes in response to Operation “No Discount,” which uncovered over R$8 billion in improper charges since 2019. Biometric verification will cross-check identities against federal databases. Amid growing political fallout and institutional review, the government has suspended all association fee deductions and initiated refund processing, framing the new system as essential for safeguarding beneficiary rights.
Philippines’ Valenzuela City Launches Digital ID Verification System to Combat Fraud
Valenzuela City has launched Val-ID, a digital verification portal allowing businesses to authenticate senior citizen and PWD IDs issued by the city, aiming to curb fraud and protect access to benefits. Backed by Ordinance No. 1231, the system mandates reporting and handover of confiscated fake IDs to the CSWDO within three days. New IDs feature holographic security and comply with the Data Privacy Act. The portal is accessible via desktop and mobile at valid.valenzuela.gov.ph. Affected PWD IDs issued from 2020–2022 require renewal, and misuse of the system by businesses may result in penalties.
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May 21, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
