United States
A new type of digital ID based on US passports in Google Wallet has been introduced ahead of beta testing. Users scan the chip in their electronic passport, and match their selfie biometrics with a short video.
The biometric identity verification process is complete and the digital ID ready to use a few minutes after the verification data is submitted, reportedly.
TSA checkpoints that accept digital IDs will accept Google’s ID passes. Google also plans to expand the use cases for passport-based digital IDs, like account recovery, IDV and car rentals. Google Wallet has also introduced support for public transportation and “commuter benefits” cards in the U.S. public transit tickets in Germany, and will soon add equivalents in Taiwan and Hong Kong, as per Biometric Update.
Global
Socure has announced the expansion of its identity verification offerings, which provides coverage for all International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-compliant travel documents, including passports, most EU national IDs, and other IDs equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.
The company’s services are now available in over 190 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, North America, and South America.
Philippines
The Philippines’ ‘Super App’ for storing government-issued digital IDs has integrated HID Global’s mobile ID management system to make the national digital identity compliant with the ISO system architecture standard.
The goID SDK was integrated with the eGovPH app through a partnership with Philippine system integrator FMC Research Solutions.
United Kingdom
The UK government has published guidance on entering the register for digital identity and attribute services.
The register represents a list of government-approved organisations certified against the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF). Aside from understanding the requirements of the framework, applicants are required to be audited and certified by an approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB).
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan mobile operator Azercell has expanded the acceptance of digital ID cards across all authorised dealer stores and exclusive offices, allowing customers to conduct transactions using digital ID codes via the myGov app.
There was a July 2024 presidential decree aimed at integrating digital identity solutions across both public and private sectors. Azercell first began accepting digital IDs in early September 2024, and the move to extend the service across all stores reflects the country’s growing commitment to digital innovation.
The myGov platform provides citizens with access to a variety of services, ranging from personal data management to essential documents.
South East Asia
Digital identity firm TOPPAN IDGATE has expanded its partnership with Malaysia-based eKYC platform provider Innov8tif to strengthen digital identity solutions in the ASEAN financial sector.
TOPPAN IDGATE’s AI-driven face recognition and device binding technologies will be integrated into Innov8tif’s EMAS eKYC platform.
United Kingdom
Aro, which describes itself as an embedded finance partner for brands, has unveiled Aro Precision, a service which addresses digital fraud with ID and third-party checks.
Aro Precision says its data will bolster lenders’ confidence in affordability calculations, reducing the number of declined applications and increasing financial opportunities for consumers. This data will be available for reuse by lenders, later in the customer journey.
Aro has joined forces with GBG to leverage its global identity network, GBG Trust, to support the new service. The network uses cross-sector and industry identity intelligence to help lenders “onboard more genuine customers as well as protect against fraud by recognising first-party and third-party fraudsters.”
Channel Islands
A digital visa scheme could cost the Channel Islands “millions” and deliver a reputational hit, according to one travel expert.
The new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a permit which non-British and non-Irish citizens, who do not require a visa, will need to enter the UK.
But Simon Calder warned the scheme could cost the UK and the Crown Dependencies “somewhere around £4 billion a year” in lost revenue, says the BBC.
Currently, a scheme allowing French day trippers into the Bailiwick using only identity cards is in place until the end of the 2025 summer season. The ETA scheme requires people to travel with their passports.
The States of Guernsey said that there would be “no impact” for people travelling from the Bailiwick to the UK.
“Travellers looking to come directly to the Channel Islands from abroad are not anticipated to be required to apply for an ETA until towards the end of 2025.”
The head of Guernsey’s Committee for Home Affairs has defended the digital visa scheme. Home Affairs President Deputy Rob Prow said the scheme was “absolutely essential to safety and security.”
Maldives
The World Bank has dedicated $10 million to back the Digital Maldives for Adaptation, Decentralisation and Diversification Project, which includes establishing a national digital ID system.
France
IN Groupe is being touted as the likely buyer of Idemia’s biometrics and identity verification business from Advent.
The intention of both parties is to create a global leader in identity technology, and create a combined entity with a higher growth trajectory both domestically and internationally, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told Biometric Update.
A March report suggested Idemia’s identity business could fetch a billion euros ($1.1 billion), but negotiations are currently ongoing. Idemia Smart Identity contributed about 15 percent of the Group’s consolidated revenue of $2.9 billion last year, the source said.
Germany
E-Seek by Veridos and Credence ID have launched what they say is the world’s first all-in-one verification device designed to authenticate both digital and physical ID documents
The VeriCHECK M500+ integrates E-Seek’s physical credential reader, already used by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at more than 220 US airport locations, with Credence ID’s Tap2iD digital verification platform. This enables secure authentication of digital IDs such as mobile driver’s licences (mDLs), using NFC and QR code technologies, and complies with the latest ISO mDL/mID standards.
