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:
South Korea Approves Meta’s Facial Recognition to Fight Celeb Impersonation
Meta has received approval from South Korea’s privacy regulator to deploy a facial recognition system aimed at stopping celebrity impersonation on Facebook. The opt-in service allows public figures to submit facial data to detect and block fake ads and accounts using their likeness. Approved after a privacy review by the PIPC, the system complies with South Korea’s data protection rules and follows similar launches in the UK and EU as part of Meta’s broader fraud prevention strategy.
EU Commission Launches Public Input Phase for Business Digital Wallet Plan
The European Commission has opened a public consultation, closing June 12, 2025, to help shape regulations for the European Business Wallet—a cross-border digital identity platform for streamlining business interactions with public administrations. Part of the EU’s Competitiveness Compass strategy, the wallet will unify credential management under eIDAS 2, aiming to reduce administrative burdens, particularly for SMEs. Final regulations are expected in Q4 2025.
UK Biometric Surveillance Lacks Proper Oversight, New Report Warns
The Ada Lovelace Institute has warned that the UK’s regulatory framework for biometric surveillance is outdated and fragmented, calling for comprehensive, risk-based legislation. Its new report criticizes the unchecked expansion of live facial recognition and emotion detection technologies, noting nearly 800,000 faces scanned by police since 2020 and plans for expanded deployment. The Institute highlights the legal vacuum surrounding inferential biometrics and urges urgent reform before these systems become entrenched and harder to govern.
Samsung Adds Dedicated Fingerprint Security Layer to Secure Folder Feature
Samsung’s One UI 8 beta introduces major upgrades to Secure Folder, including mandatory separate fingerprint registration and a “Hide Secure Folder” option that encrypts and disables access while concealing app notifications. Users can also now remove original app icons when moving apps into the folder. These changes address prior privacy issues and align Samsung’s solution with Android’s Private Space API. The updates are currently available on Galaxy S25 devices, with broader rollout details pending.
Daon and G+D Partner to Boost Digital Identity Security Across Industries
Daon and Giesecke+Devrient have formed a global partnership to deliver integrated digital identity solutions across finance, telecom, and government sectors. The collaboration combines Daon’s biometric authentication with G+D’s security infrastructure and eSIM management to address fraud, regulatory compliance, and fragmented identity systems. Their joint offering targets identity assurance from onboarding to recovery, with support for passkeys and mobile authentication. The move aligns with stricter digital ID standards like eIDAS and expands both firms’ reach across high-risk industries.
Digital ID Leader Prove Names Ashley Kiolbasa as New Chief Marketing Officer
Prove has appointed Ashley Kiolbasa as Chief Marketing Officer to lead global marketing during a phase of rapid growth. Kiolbasa will drive brand strategy and go-to-market execution as Prove expands its digital identity and authentication offerings, including recent deployments with Uber, FanDuel, and Blend Labs. Her appointment supports Prove’s push into new sectors and follows industry recognition for its identity verification technology.
AI Age Verification Tech Reaches 300K Monthly Checks Across 90 Countries
Swiss AI firm Privately SA is now processing nearly 300,000 privacy-preserving age checks monthly via its AgeAI and FaceAssure tools, deployed in over 90 countries. The company’s on-device, ID-free approach supports compliance with global regulations like the UK’s Online Safety Act and EU’s Digital Services Act. Its technology is used in sectors including gaming, retail, and media, and has earned EAL-3 certification while avoiding biometric data storage.
Rank One Computing Partners with DeliverFund to Fight Human Trafficking
ROC has partnered with DeliverFund to combat human trafficking by donating its full biometric SDK, including face, fingerprint, and iris recognition, along with AI-driven analytics and deduplication tools. DeliverFund, staffed by former intelligence and law enforcement professionals, will integrate these tools into its operations to improve victim identification and suspect tracking. The initiative emphasizes responsible tech use, with strict data protocols to safeguard privacy while enhancing cross-jurisdictional investigative capabilities.
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May 29, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
