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:
iProov Faces Shrinking Runway in Latest Filings
iProov’s 2024 financials show revenue growth to £28.3 million but a reduced cash balance of £21.1 million, down 35 percent from 2023. Losses narrowed to £5.6 million, but liquidity remains under pressure as competition intensifies from FaceTec, Onfido, Yoti, IDEMIA, and others. The filings reveal a new auditor, Azets, and share issuances to reinforce capital. Despite growth in government and financial-sector clients, profitability remains elusive for the London-based biometrics vendor.
Utah Endorses Privacy-Focused Digital ID System
Utah officials have introduced plans for the State-Endorsed Digital Identity (SEDI), a voluntary, privacy-focused mobile ID framework mandated by Senate Bill 260. The system, expected to launch following the next legislative session, will use decentralized storage so the state cannot log, trace, or revoke user credentials. Designed to complement Utah’s existing mobile driver’s license program with partners like GET Group and Scytales, SEDI emphasizes user control, selective disclosure, and minimal data sharing, extending Utah’s broader digital privacy reforms.
West Virginia Adds Apple Wallet Support for Digital IDs
West Virginia has become the 12th U.S. state to support Apple Wallet integration for driver’s licenses and state IDs. Residents can now use iPhones or Apple Watches for TSA verification at over 250 airports, including Charleston Yeager and Huntington Tri-State. The update expands the state’s mobile ID program, developed with IDEMIA, which already supports Samsung Wallet. Officials say the Wallet-based IDs follow ISO 18013-5 standards and give users full consent control via Face ID or Touch ID.
Visa and Proof Announce Digital ID Payments Network
Visa and digital identity firm Proof have partnered to link verified identity directly to payment and financial transaction flows. Using Proof’s “Certify” technology—an “EMV chip for digital identity”—the collaboration will enable reusable, biometrically-backed credentials across insurance, tax, and real-estate payments. Visa says the network will reduce fraud and friction by embedding trust signals into transactions. The initiative builds on Visa’s previous collaborations with TECH5 and other identity vendors to merge payments and verified identity.
Benin Launches ePass Portal for Diaspora Passports
Benin has launched “ePass,” a digital portal for citizens abroad to renew biometric passports and visas online. Initially piloted with Beninese nationals in France, the program expands access for diaspora communities across Africa and Europe. Backed by Benin’s National Register of Persons and X-Road-based data-exchange system, ePass supports remote identity verification and aligns with global trends toward online passport and visa modernization, including Nigeria’s and Vietnam’s recent initiatives.
Philippines Integrates National ID into Loan Verification
The Philippines’ Land Registration Authority has connected its collateral registry to the national digital ID (PhilSys), allowing biometric authentication during loan and asset verification. The integration enhances fraud prevention and links financial institutions to the broader PhilSys ecosystem, now used by over half the population. Authorities say tying PhilSys to land and loan systems will improve transparency and efficiency as the country expands digital ID usage through the eGovPH app.
EUDI Wallet Pilot ‘Aptitude’ Launches to Test Digital Travel Credentials with Signicat, SITA
The European Commission has launched the “Aptitude” Large-Scale Pilot for the EUDI Wallet, testing digital travel credentials and payments across 15 countries with Signicat, SITA, and Indicio among 110 partners. Signicat’s recent acquisition of Inverid (ReadID) strengthens its role in the project, which will trial wallet-based journeys for smoother airport processing and cross-border authentication. Aptitude complements other EU pilots such as WE BUILD and the Wallet Toolbox program.
Norway Tests Homomorphic Encryption with Mobai for Biometric Template Protection
Norway’s banking sector is piloting homomorphic encryption with facial biometrics firm Mobai to secure template processing against AI-driven fraud. The initiative combines fully homomorphic encryption and multi-party computation so that templates remain encrypted during matching. The approach supports GDPR-aligned privacy principles and could inform future EU compliance standards for biometric data handling in finance and identity services.
Mexico’s Biometric CURP Enters Official Use; Phased Mandate Targets February 2026
Mexico has begun the official use phase of its biometric CURP national ID, with full deployment planned by February 2026. The credential will incorporate face, fingerprint, and iris data to streamline access to social and financial services while improving identity assurance for law enforcement. Courts have issued temporary suspensions citing privacy concerns, prompting regulators to refine retention and audit rules before the nationwide mandate takes effect.
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team