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:
Login.gov Adds Biometric Verification Amid Rising Fraud Concerns
The U.S. GSA has issued an emergency $625,834.56 contract modification to Xcelerate Solutions to add biometric verification to the Login.gov platform, citing urgent fraud mitigation needs. The sole-source award bypasses competitive bidding due to the vendor’s existing integration and security approvals. The update expands the platform’s identity verification to include biometric comparison for over 14 million transactions across federal agencies.
Ghana Launches Biometric ID System to Track Child Vaccinations Nationwide
Gavi, in partnership with Simprints and Ghana Health Service, is deploying biometric digital ID systems in Ghana to improve vaccination tracking and healthcare delivery. The AI-powered system has already generated over 65,000 unique medical records and aims to reduce duplicate records and enhance data accuracy. The initiative builds on prior deployments and reflects Ghana’s broader digital health strategy. Results from similar programs in Bangladesh showed notable gains in maternal and newborn care, and Gavi plans to expand the approach based on Ghana’s outcomes.
Lithuania to Ban Non-Biometric Russian Passports Starting June 2025
Effective June 1, 2025, Lithuania will no longer accept non-biometric Russian international passports, aligning with regional and EU standards aimed at strengthening border security. Only Russia’s 10-year biometric passports meet ICAO compliance. Exemptions apply for Russian residents in the EU and those transiting between Kaliningrad and mainland Russia. The move coincides with similar policies in Estonia, France, and other EU countries, ahead of the EU’s Entry/Exit System rollout later this year.
Armenia to Launch New Biometric ID System in 2026 with EU Standards
Armenia will reintroduce biometric passports and ID cards in late 2026 through a public-private partnership with IDEMIA and A.C.I. Technology. The upgrade ends a nine-year gap in biometric issuance and brings documents into compliance with ICAO and EU standards. The system will store facial and fingerprint data and be overseen by HAYPASS CJSC under an 11-year contract, with phased rollout planned nationwide. The move supports Armenia’s EU integration goals but does not guarantee visa-free access. The effort includes infrastructure modernization and is partly driven by a surge in citizenship applications from former Artsakh residents.
California Court Blocks Clearview AI’s Free Speech Defense in Privacy Case
A California appeals court has ruled that Clearview AI cannot use free speech protections to dismiss a biometric privacy lawsuit, rejecting its claim that facial recognition services qualify as protected speech under the state’s anti-SLAPP statute. The court found Clearview’s biometric data practices to be commercial conduct, not expressive activity. The lawsuit will proceed, adding to mounting legal challenges for the company, which has faced regulatory action in Illinois, Alberta, and Europe over similar privacy concerns.
Corsight AI Advocates for Real-Time Surveillance Tools After Capital Jewish Museum Shooting
Two Israeli embassy staffers were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. after attending an event, prompting federal murder charges against the suspect, who allegedly shouted antisemitic and pro-Palestinian slogans. In response, Corsight AI has advocated for increased use of facial intelligence systems to identify behavioral patterns and prevent violence. Authorities are still investigating the incident as a potential hate crime or terrorist act.
Spanish City of Valladolid Launches Major Tech Upgrade, Including Biometric Signature Platform
The city of Valladolid has launched a €360,000 public tender to upgrade municipal digital infrastructure, including the purchase of a biometric digital signature system valued at €20,751.75. The four-year contract spans 18 software categories such as HR, CAD, library systems, and citizen portals. Vendors may bid on multiple lots but can win a maximum of five, with awards based solely on price.
Swedish Police Launch Tender for National Fingerprint Reader Upgrade
The Swedish Police Authority has opened a tender worth 11.5 million SEK for fixed fingerprint readers to modernize biometric systems used in law enforcement. The two-year contract, set to start in September 2025, will supply fingerprint scanners for identity verification and investigations across police facilities. The procurement aligns with EU and WTO guidelines and includes sustainability and human rights criteria. Bids are due electronically by June 19, 2025.
–
May 23, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
