ID Tech Digest – September 30, 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:

German Government to Develop Its Own EUDI Wallet, Allow Private Sector Efforts in Parallel

The German government plans to develop its own European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet), enabling citizens to store identity data and official documents on their smartphones. The wallet will include a Qualified Electronic Signature for secure transactions. Initially, the EUDI Wallet will focus on proving identity, with future features like storing boarding passes and payment cards. Private companies, research institutions, and other organizations can also develop their own digital wallets recognized in Germany. SPRIND, the Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation, has been conducting a Proof of Concept challenge to support these private sector efforts. The development process will be transparent and participatory, with an open online consultation scheduled for October 9 to involve a wide range of expertise.

NC Appeals Court Rejects Student Digital ID for Voting

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has blocked the use of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s Mobile One Cards – digital versions of student IDs –for voting purposes. The decision reverses a lower court ruling that had approved the mobile IDs as valid voter identification. The Republican National Committee and the North Carolina Republican Party initiated the legal challenge, arguing that digital IDs do not meet state legal requirements. The appellate court expressed concerns that digital IDs could be more easily falsified or manipulated. Republicans praised the ruling for upholding election security, while Democrats criticized it for potentially disenfranchising students who rely on digital IDs. In response, UNC is now offering physical ID cards free of charge to ensure students can vote.

World Bank Policy Note Argues e-Signatures a ‘Key Enabler’ of Digital Transactions

A new World Bank Policy Note, “Electronic Signatures: Enabling Trusted Digital Transformation,” emphasizes that electronic signatures are essential for the digital economy. It advocates for comprehensive frameworks that ensure trust, legal recognition, and a risk-based implementation approach. The document highlights biometric authentication, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, as possible methods for verifying signer identities in high-risk transactions. It argues that biometric data enhances security and trust but requires careful implementation to address privacy and usability concerns. The Policy Note also stresses the importance of designing accessible and user-friendly electronic signature solutions to promote widespread adoption, especially in developing economies. Additionally, it recommends technology-neutral approaches to allow flexibility and innovation in electronic signature systems.

Music Streaming Provider Trials Zwipe’s Biometric Access Cards

A leading global digital music streaming and media service provider is testing Zwipe’s biometric access cards. The Zwipe Access card uses fingerprint-based dual authentication for secure access control. All fingerprint capture, extraction, and comparison occur on the card, ensuring biometric data remains private. This approach enhances data privacy and minimizes security risks in both physical and digital settings. Zwipe aims to deploy its technology across the company’s facilities to increase security. A major U.S.-based social media and IT company is also testing Zwipe Access cards through a strategic technology partner.

After Split from ECOWAS, Sahel Nations Announce New Biometric Passports

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will introduce new biometric passports after leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These passports aim to standardize travel documents and enhance regional security and connectivity within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The biometric passports are expected to facilitate easier movement and strengthen security against jihadist threats. In contrast, ECOWAS has been developing the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) to enable free movement across West Africa, but implementation has been delayed due to limited information and political will. The AES biometric passport initiative focuses on asserting the autonomy of its member states and consolidating their new alliance, differing from ECOWAS’s broader regional efforts.

Thousands of Kuwaitis Rush to Register Biometrics Ahead of Deadline

Kuwaiti authorities have been seeing a surge in mandatory biometric fingerprinting registrations ahead of the September 30 deadline for nationals. Daily registrations have risen from an average of 600 to around 6,000 Kuwaitis. As of last week, 110,000 Kuwaitis and 790,000 expatriates had not complied with the biometric requirements. Authorities have warned that non-compliance will lead to restrictions on government and banking transactions. Fingerprinting offices at shopping malls will close after October 1, but dedicated centers at the Ministry of Interior will remain open daily. The biometric fingerprinting project aims to create a comprehensive database to enhance security, eliminate passport forgery, and prevent double citizenship.

Key DIATF Architect Joins Kantara as CTO

The Kantara Initiative has appointed Dr. Carol Buttle as its first Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Dr. Buttle joins from the UK government’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, where she led Certification and Assurance. She will expand Kantara’s role in identity assurance and lead identity certification in new markets. Dr. Buttle aims to improve industry standards for identity systems, focusing on regulatory compliance and protecting citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Her expertise in trust frameworks and data privacy will enhance Kantara’s international growth and interoperability in biometric identity solutions. Her leadership is expected to support members in engaging with US Federal Agencies and obtaining certification under the UK Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF).

Amadeus Partners with Norwegian Airport Operator on Biometric Upgrades

Amadeus has partnered with Avinor, Norway’s state-owned airport operator, to deploy biometric solutions at 43 Norwegian airports. The collaboration integrates facial recognition into check-in, lounge access, and boarding processes. Passengers can move through airport checkpoints without presenting physical IDs by using their enrolled biometric data. Avinor will upgrade airports with Amadeus’ Cloud Use Service and install self-service check-in kiosks equipped with biometric capabilities. Staff will use mobile devices to assist passengers, scanning passports and capturing facial data from any terminal location. This reduces the need for fixed check-in desks and decreases wait times. Avinor will also adopt Amadeus Airport Insights, an AI and machine learning platform that monitors passenger movements to identify bottlenecks and optimize resource allocation.

—

September 30, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala