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:
Veriff’s 2025 Fraud Index Shows Deepfake Risks Rising and U.S. Consumers Hit Hardest
Veriff’s Fraud Index Survey 2025 reports rising AI-driven identity fraud, particularly in the United States, where 66 percent of respondents say they’ve suffered financial losses—up from one-third last year. The study shows growing consumer acceptance of biometrics, with 73.6 percent comfortable using facial recognition and more than 75 percent willing to verify via ID and selfie. Veriff also finds that users increasingly expect e-commerce, gaming, and social platforms to adopt the same biometric safeguards as banks. The findings align with the company’s June appearance on ID Talk, where executives discussed industry collaboration on fraud prevention.
Mizoram Reports 12,170 Myanmar Refugees Enrolled in Statewide Biometric Program
Authorities in India’s Mizoram state say 12,170 Myanmar refugees have completed biometric registration, representing about 39 percent of those currently sheltering in the state. The effort—part of a Ministry of Home Affairs directive—includes fingerprint, iris, and facial data collection to support aid and movement coordination. Officials cite progress despite connectivity and staffing challenges. Civil-society groups continue to raise questions about consent and data sharing as the program expands district by district.
Amazon’s Ring to Introduce Facial Recognition on Doorbells and Cams by December
Amazon plans to roll out a facial-recognition feature called “Familiar Faces” to Ring doorbells and cameras starting December 2025. The update will identify frequent visitors and add labeled search options in event logs. Rollout will exclude states and cities with biometric restrictions such as Illinois, Texas, and Portland, Oregon. The announcement comes amid continued scrutiny of data handling within Ring’s Neighbors network and follows recent debate over opt-out features like Search Party, the company’s AI-based lost-pet finder.
Occupied Crimea Authorities Conduct Phone Inspections in Schools Targeting Ukrainian Language and VPN Use
Russian-installed officials in occupied Crimea are inspecting smartphones belonging to students and teachers for Ukrainian-language settings, VPN services, and other prohibited apps. The inspections, accompanied by military personnel, extend July’s regional information blackout to schools and reflect broader efforts to restrict digital access and Ukrainian-language use. Rights groups say the policy fits a wider pattern of enforced Russification in occupied territories and raises new risks for children’s privacy and data protection.
Medical Care Technologies Prepares In-House Studies for AI Mental-Health and Preventive-Biometrics Modules
Medical Care Technologies (OTC Pink: MDCE) has begun preparations for internal studies on two AI modules—a mental-health screening tool and a “preventive biometrics” feature—under its Consumer AI Division. The company describes the work as behavioral and self-monitoring research rather than clinical development. The move follows MDCE’s recent decision to split its AI health platform into clinical and consumer divisions and new partnerships in dermatology AI and dataset validation.
Davao City in the Philippines Advances Facial Recognition Ordinance With Police Backing
Police in Davao City, Philippines, support a proposed ordinance to integrate facial recognition with the city’s 911 Command Center and GPS-enabled emergency network. Officials say the system aims to improve public safety and border security while adhering to ethical and inclusion standards. The city’s leadership has called for strict bias testing, retention limits, and public transparency as part of the planned deployment.
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team