ID Tech Digest – November 11, 2024

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:

UK Government Launches Digital Veteran Card System to Streamline Support Services

The UK government has announced a Digital Veteran Card system that will enable former military personnel to access support services through secure digital identity verification. Building on the existing physical HM Armed Forces Veteran Card program launched in 2019, the digital version will allow veterans to download their credentials immediately upon application, providing quicker access to services like housing assistance, NHS healthcare, and employment support at job centers. The Royal British Legion has praised the initiative as a positive step in enhancing service access for veterans.

Hong Kong Launches Anonymous KYC Trial for Chinese Residents’ Stablecoin Access

Hong Kong has launched a trial of an anonymous KYC system enabling mainland Chinese residents to access stablecoin services while protecting data privacy, building on its 2020 digital identity framework. The trial uses China’s blockchain-based RealDID (Real-Name Decentralized Identifier System), introduced in 2023, which enables real-name verification through cryptographic zero-knowledge protocols, ensuring compliance with KYC requirements while maintaining transaction anonymity. Participants can register anonymously on regulated stablecoin platforms and use the Hong Kong dollar-pegged HKDA stablecoin for purchasing tokenized financial products, aligning with Hong Kong’s strategy to become a virtual asset hub.

South African Mobile Provider Under Investigation for RICA Biometric Compliance Failures

A major South African mobile provider is under investigation for failing to comply with biometric verification requirements mandated by the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA), which requires telecom providers to collect and verify customer fingerprints and facial biometrics to prevent SIM card misuse. Local media investigations revealed the provider’s inadequate identity verification procedures, leaving gaps that could allow unauthorized SIM card use, posing risks to national security and law enforcement efforts. RICA, amended in 2021 for stricter biometric measures, aims to curb criminal use of communication services, and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has previously fined providers up to R5 million for non-compliance.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Launches ‘NameCheck’ as Part of National Digital Identity Push

Australia is advancing its digital identity verification framework, with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) launching “NameCheck” to improve payment security and prevent fraud by verifying recipients in real-time using account details and unique identifiers. This initiative supports the national Trust Exchange (TEx) program, led by Minister Bill Shorten, aimed at extending digital identity services beyond federal use to state and private sectors, backed by $145.5 million in government funding. In collaboration with TPG Telecom, CBA is also sharing SMS scam intelligence in near real-time to further enhance fraud prevention. These efforts align with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s Information Security Standard CPS 234, requiring security controls for data management in financial services.

Delta Expands Digital ID Biometric System to Salt Lake City Airport

Delta Airlines has expanded its Digital ID biometric system to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), marking it as the sixth major hub to adopt the technology aimed at streamlining security processes. Using facial matching developed with the TSA, the system allows eligible passengers to pass through checkpoints without physical IDs, significantly reducing bag drop processing times from two minutes to 30 seconds. Initially launched in 2021, Delta’s biometric program has processed over 3.5 million passengers and reduced TSA PreCheck lane processing times from 20-25 seconds to 7-10 seconds. Following successful deployments at Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, JFK, and LaGuardia, Delta plans to roll out Digital ID at Washington National (DCA) in November 2024, with further expansions expected in 2025.

Indian Identity Verification Startup Equal Raises $10M Series A, Valued at $80M

Hyderabad-based identity verification company Equal has raised $10 million in Series A funding, securing a post-money valuation of $80 million. The round, led by Prosus Ventures and Tomales Bay Capital with participation from Blume Ventures, DST Global, Quona VC, and Gruhas VC, underscores India’s growing digital identity verification sector. Founded in 2016, Equal’s platform connects with over 50 identity databases and 4,000+ API providers to support KYC compliance, fraud prevention, and regulatory adherence. The company recently invested in OneMoney, an account aggregator platform, to enhance secure data sharing, now processing over 64 million monthly transactions across 250 clients. Equal’s technology stacks serve banking, employment, and consumer tech sectors, leveraging India’s digital infrastructure for seamless verification solutions.

Manulife Indonesia Introduces Digital Insurance Management Platform ‘Manulife ID’

Manulife Indonesia has launched Manulife ID, a comprehensive digital platform that enhances insurance services through biometric authentication and digital identity verification, marking a rebrand of its previous MiAccount system. Available on Android and iOS, Manulife ID enables users to access policy information, track updates, check policy values, monitor claims, make premium payments, and update personal details or investment allocations in real-time. The platform employs fingerprint and facial recognition technology, adhering to financial industry security standards for protecting sensitive information. While initially focused on Indonesia, the platform’s design supports potential expansion to other markets, with additional features planned based on user input and technological advancements.

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November 11, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala