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:
Apple Patents Versatile ‘Wearable Loops’ for Biometric Tracking and ID
Apple has been granted a U.S. patent for “Wearable Loops,” a flexible, sensor-equipped device designed to collect biometric and location data and integrate with Apple’s ecosystem. The loop can be worn or attached to objects, supporting inputs like voice, touch, and motion, and may include UWB and NFC capabilities. Potential uses span health monitoring, VR interaction, and secure tracking. While not a confirmed product, the patent signals Apple’s ongoing interest in compact biometric wearables and spatially aware technologies.
Vietnam to Restrict Corporate Bank Access Without Biometric Verification by 2025
Vietnam’s central bank will restrict digital banking services for corporate accounts that fail to complete biometric verification by July 1, 2025. Legal representatives must submit ID and facial biometrics via mobile apps, with in-person verification required for some foreign users. The policy extends individual account rules to businesses and integrates with the national VNeID system. While banks have biometric tech, prior rollouts saw fraud attempts and technical issues. The move supports broader anti-fraud and AML reforms under Decision 2345 and Decree 163.
BIO-key Expands African Presence with Mozambique Bank Security Deal
BIO-key has partnered with Runlevel to deploy its PortalGuard IAM solution in Mozambique, marking its first major engagement in Portuguese-speaking Africa. The rollout at a national bank will support multi-factor authentication and single sign-on. Runlevel joins BIO-key’s Channel Alliance Partner program to lead regional deployments across PALOP nations and Timor-Leste, providing localized consulting and compliance support. The move reflects BIO-key’s broader strategy to expand in high-growth markets through regional VARs.
Poland Expands AI Surveillance Powers with New Public Security Law
Poland has passed a law enabling law enforcement and municipal authorities to deploy AI-driven surveillance, including facial recognition and behavioral tracking, without judicial oversight. Effective later this year, the law aims to bolster public safety but has drawn criticism over privacy risks, lack of consultation, and potential conflicts with the EU AI Act and GDPR. Civil rights groups warn of unchecked surveillance and limited citizen recourse, while implementation details remain pending.
Sri Lanka to Complete National e-ID Rollout with Final 400K Cards by 2025
Sri Lanka is completing the final phase of its e-NIC program, with Thales delivering 400,000 biometric ID cards by June. The cards store facial, fingerprint, and iris data but will remain inactive until a presidential gazette formally authorizes biometric use. Linked to the SL-UDI system and powered by MOSIP, the program has drawn privacy concerns due to weak legal safeguards and foreign involvement. Authorities are prioritizing secure data storage and public education as the system prepares to integrate with national services.
Uganda Launches Online Portal for National ID Pre-Registration System
Uganda’s NIRA has launched an online pre-registration portal to support its nationwide ID enrollment campaign, aiming to renew 15.8 million IDs and register 17.2 million new applicants by June 2025. Citizens can apply online and complete biometric verification at parish sites, where 5,300 registration kits have been deployed. The program, part of a broader regional push for digital identity systems, includes free standard services and a fee for ID detail changes unless due to agency error.
Regula Adds One-Click Data Masking to Forensic ID Verification Platform
Regula has added a “Depersonalize” feature to its Forensic Studio platform, enabling one-click anonymization of PII such as names, photos, and ID numbers during document analysis. The update supports compliance with global privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA while maintaining workflow speed. Used by over 150 countries, Regula’s tools serve border control, law enforcement, and financial institutions managing sensitive identity data.
Portuguese Prison Authority Contracts Contactus for Biometric Terminal Deployment
Portugal’s prison authority has awarded a €149,460 contract to Contactus, S.A. for the delivery and installation of 90 biometric terminals and four “supermaster” control units across its correctional facilities. The system will integrate with the existing cRHonus infrastructure to enhance access control and security operations. The contract, signed May 22, 2025, covers nationwide deployment and includes installation, with no subcontracting or EU co-financing.
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May 26, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
