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:
Touch Panel Giant GIS Pivots to Biometrics and Automotive Technology
GIS is shifting focus from traditional touch panels to emerging sectors including optics, biometrics, and automotive tech, aiming to complete the transition by 2029. The move follows financial recovery and rising demand for biometric and AR display solutions. GIS is investing in MicroLED and HUD technologies, expanding R&D in Taiwan and China, and increasing manufacturing in Vietnam. New products are expected to comprise over half of its business in the coming years.
Xperix Claims World’s Smallest FBI-Certified Fingerprint Scanner
Xperix has launched the RealScan SG10, a compact FBI Appendix F-certified FAP 60 fingerprint scanner measuring just 16mm thick and weighing 250g. Unveiled at ID4Africa, the SG10 supports USB and wireless connectivity, offering high-resolution imaging in a rugged form factor. It is aimed at mobile identity verification in remote and low-infrastructure environments, supporting national ID, border, and service delivery programs.
Hungary Awards Contract for Mobile Biometric Capture Devices to SCORPIO Kft.
Hungary’s NISZ has awarded a HUF 25.9 million (EUR 66,500) contract to SCORPIO Kft. for seven portable biometric capture devices, following a competitive tender. The Chameleon 5R Dual or equivalent units are to be delivered within 90 days, with technical documentation provided electronically. While the devices’ specific use was not disclosed, they are likely intended for public sector ID or law enforcement applications as part of Hungary’s ongoing digital modernization efforts.
Gaming ID Startup PlaySafe Raises $1.1M
PlaySafe ID has raised $1.12 million in pre-seed funding to expand its privacy-preserving identity platform for gamers. Using zero-knowledge proofs via Onfido, the service verifies users without storing biometric or document data, enabling enforcement of bans and behavior tracking across games. Backed by Early Game Ventures and others, the startup plans to launch integrations later in 2025 and scale to over 250,000 users, positioning itself as a trust layer for online gaming and digital communities.
Malaysia Deploys Facial Recognition Security System for ASEAN Summit
Malaysia has deployed facial recognition technology alongside bomb detection and anti-drone systems to secure the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The biometric system verifies authorized personnel at access points and supports real-time monitoring, building on Malaysia’s earlier immigration gate upgrades. The deployment aligns with ASEAN’s digital integration goals and reflects a broader push for standardized identity systems across the region.
Greece Launches Unified Digital ID System to Modernize Public Services
Greece has introduced the Personal Citizen Number (PCN), a 12-digit alphanumeric ID that will serve as the primary identifier for public sector services. Replacing older systems like the AFM and AMKA, the PCN will be used across all government interactions and integrated into new national ID cards. Citizens can customize part of their PCN via the gov.gr portal, with data oversight handled by the Hellenic Data Protection Authority. The rollout supports EU digital identity goals, though some critics have raised privacy concerns.
Samsung Files Patent for Palm Recognition Tech for Phones, Wins Face Liveness Appeal
Samsung has filed a European patent for a palm print recognition system that analyzes biometric features like skin texture, lines, and blood vessel patterns to enhance smartphone security. The multi-modal approach may offer stronger authentication than fingerprints or facial recognition. While commercial plans are unconfirmed, the patent supports broader applications in smart devices and vehicles. This follows a successful appeal related to facial liveness detection, reinforcing Samsung’s IP strategy in biometric security.
Mizoram to Begin Biometric Registration of 33,000 Myanmar Refugees
India’s Mizoram state will begin biometric enrollment for over 33,000 Myanmar refugees after delays caused by an unsuitable data format. A revised system, designed for humanitarian use, will support aid distribution and recordkeeping without classifying refugees as illegal immigrants. The effort aligns with India’s broader use of biometric tools for population oversight while emphasizing care-based administration in this case.
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May 26, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
