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:
IOM Publishes Digital Identity Toolkit for Migration and Border Governance
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has released a 72-page Digital Identity Toolkit offering rights-based, technically sound guidance for digital ID deployment in migration and border management. Developed under IOM’s Immigration and Border Management Division, the toolkit emphasizes inclusion, legal safeguards, and technology that serves policy rather than driving it. Covering technical design, governance, and interoperability, the document urges cautious adoption of emerging technologies and provides tools to guide implementation in sensitive, resource-constrained environments. The toolkit responds to the global expansion of digital ID initiatives with tailored, humanitarian-focused recommendations.
Privacy Groups Challenge Asda’s Facial Recognition Trial in UK Stores
Privacy groups have filed a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office over Asda’s use of live facial recognition in five Greater Manchester stores, arguing it violates data protection laws. The system, powered by Facewatch, was tested to deter retail crime but is accused of lacking transparency, a lawful processing basis, and adequate safeguards for biometric data. Under UK GDPR, facial recognition constitutes “special category data” requiring strict justification. Experts warn that such deployments risk normalizing surveillance and eroding civil liberties, prompting renewed calls for stronger legal and ethical controls in retail biometrics.
World Foundation Raises $135M to Expand Biometric ID Network in US Market
World Foundation has raised $135 million through a token sale led by a16z and Bain Capital Crypto to accelerate the expansion of its biometric identity network, particularly in the U.S. The funding will support Orb device manufacturing at a new facility in Richardson, Texas, and address prior supply constraints. With over 26 million users and 12.5 million Orb-verified World IDs, the platform has seen rapid growth in 2025. Despite this momentum, Worldcoin continues to face regulatory scrutiny in Europe over its biometric data practices. The funding brings total project backing to over $250 million.
Portugal Launches Advanced Biometric Border Control Systems at Entry Points
Portugal has launched new biometric border control systems at airports and seaports to align with the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), set to go live in October 2025. The infrastructure includes VIS4, PASSE+, and a centralized Border Portal, incorporating fingerprint and facial recognition for non-EU travelers, including UK citizens. Backed by €24 million in EU funding, the rollout supports automation and data sharing across Schengen borders. While the systems are fully operational, Lisbon Airport has reported delays during peak periods. The upgrade is part of broader EU border modernization efforts, with ETIAS pre-screening expected in 2026.
Brazilian Court Backs Betting Firm’s Biometric Age Checks in Landmark Ruling
A Brazilian court has ruled in favor of NSX Brasil, allowing it to continue operating its betting platforms after confirming the use of facial recognition-based biometric systems to block underage users. The decision rejected a BRL 500 million lawsuit seeking to suspend NSX’s operations, citing the company’s compliance with regulations and valid licensing from the Ministry of Finance. The case highlights the growing legal importance of biometric identity verification in the gambling sector and affirms that demonstrable compliance measures can shield licensed operators from punitive actions in Brazil’s regulated betting market.
Saudi Arabia Launches Instant eSIM Service for Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has launched a digital eSIM activation service for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, enabling instant mobile connectivity through telecom apps without physical SIMs or service counter visits. Coordinated by CST and the Ministry of Interior, the system uses the Absher platform for digital identity verification and biometric authentication via facial recognition. eSIMs can also be requested pre-travel, with final activation upon arrival. Integrated with apps like Tawakkalna and Nusuk, the initiative supports Vision 2030 goals to digitize pilgrimage services, enhance security, and streamline travel through smart infrastructure and AI-powered crowd management tools.
Kenya Unveils Strict Rules for Biometric Data Processing and Child Privacy
Kenya’s data protection regulator has released draft guidance introducing stricter rules for biometric data processing and children’s data protection. Organizations collecting biometric data must now register with the ODPC and justify its necessity and proportionality, with emphasis on security and lawful use. In parallel, new guidelines recommend that platforms offering services to minors adopt privacy-by-design measures and minimize data collection. Separately, Kenya’s Communications Authority is reviewing a proposal to mandate age verification for certain online services by October 2025, positioning Kenya as a potential leader in formal digital age assurance policy. Public consultation on the drafts is ongoing.
Ethiopia Launches Fayda Digital ID System to Cover 90 Million Citizens by 2027
Ethiopia has launched its Fayda digital ID platform, developed with TECH5 and Visa, as part of its national “Digital Ethiopia 2025” strategy. The system, introduced at the 2025 ID4Africa conference in Addis Ababa, has enrolled over 15 million people and aims to cover 90 million adults by 2027. Fayda uses multi-biometric authentication and supports both smartphone users and offline individuals via government-authorized custodian wallets. It is now integrated with the Cooperative Bank of Oromia for biometric eKYC onboarding, with all banking services to require Fayda IDs by 2026. The platform supports eKYC across finance, healthcare, education, and social services, and adheres to W3C and eIDAS standards.
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May 22, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
