Pakistan
Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has implemented new security measures that includes the introduction of special security features designed to prevent fraud and unauthorised access to citizen data. The security measures expand upon NADRA’s digital B-Form registration system, which was implemented to modernise child documentation processes and strengthen identity verification for minors.
A key component of NADRA’s security upgrade is the Smart NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis), which features including a secure microchip storing personal information. The Smart NICOP facilitates faster identity verification and expedited airport clearance for travellers, while enabling access to digital government services. The development follows NADRA’s successful launch of its dematerialized ID card system, which allows citizens to store their identification documents digitally on smartphones, according to Mobile ID.
Nigeria
Figures released by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) show that one million Nigerians were newly registered last month, an uptick that reflects renewed urgency amid international funding and looming targets.
The drive is part of the World Bank-backed Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) project, which aims to provide a legal identity to all Nigerians. The country is reportedly still playing catch-up after missing its initial milestone to capture at least 148 million citizens by June 30, 2024. That shortfall prompted the World Bank to extend and restructure the project, which now runs until June 30, 2026.
Spain
Spain has launched a nationwide mobile-based digital identity system called MiDNI App, enabling citizens to carry and use their national identity cards on their smartphones. The system went live on April 22, 2025.
The implementation is proceeding in two phases. The initial phase facilitates identity verification for in-person interactions with government services and authorities. A subsequent phase will introduce capabilities for online identification and electronic signatures, building upon Spain’s recent digital security initiatives aimed at protecting citizens from fraud and unauthorized access.
Seychelles
WISeKey said that following the successful implementation of SeyID in the Seychelles, it is extending its digital identity solutions to other African nations to help them modernise and secure their national identification systems.
It said SeyID is now serving as a model for other African nations looking to establish or upgrade their national identity infrastructure. The platform leverages WISeKey’s trusted WISeID digital identity technology, which provides citizens with a mobile-accessible, secure virtual ID linked to key public services. These include healthcare, government portals, and the tourism industry.
Germany
Germany has initiated the next phase of its national digital identity programme, allowing citizens and residents to store electronic versions of their ID and residence cards on smartphones. The effort is being led by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and supported by agencies including the Federal Office for Information Security and SPRIND, and is part of a broader strategy to modernise Germany’s digital infrastructure and align with European Union identification standards.
The digital ID system will enable secure identity verification for both online and in-person interactions, including public administration, banking, and healthcare. The system incorporates multi-layered authentication mechanisms including biometric checks and public key infrastructure (PKI), along with cryptographic protocols such as PACE, BAC, EAC, CA, and TA, which are already used in Germany’s electronic ID cards.
United Kingdom
The Local Digital team in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has called for local authorities to join its discovery project on the future use of the GOV.UK One Login sign-in for local services.
It said this comes in response to councils facing challenges with identity checks and authentication, and the need for more efficient, secure and cost-effective solutions, as per UK Authority.
Local Digital wishes to understand how One Login could help councils, seeing potential benefits such as improving the user experience for online services, stronger security, reducing the costs from multiple authentication systems and supporting the integration of services.
Saudi Arabia
IDEMIA Public Security, a provider of biometric-based solutions, and the Saudi Arabian Technology Control Company (TCC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their partnership for the travel and transport industry, digital identity, biometrics, and smart city solutions in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
The agreement focuses on four areas of expertise:
Deliver AI-driven biometric identification solutions to enhance security, efficiency, and passenger experience across land borders, maritime ports, and airports in Saudi Arabia.
Smart city initiatives, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, that focus on implementing biometric and AI-driven technology to enhance urban security and streamline citizen services in Saudi Arabia.
Knowledge transfer and training with localised capacity-building initiatives with the latest advancements in biometric and digital identity technology solutions.
Promotion of strategic initiatives across travel, transportation, and smart city domains.
United Kingdom
Trustd has become one of a small number of UK organisations – and the first in transport and logistics – to become certified as an Identity Service Provider under the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF). The government framework is a set of rules and standards designed to establish trust in digital identity products in the UK.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s accredited digital identity services regulator, the Trust Framework Authority (TFA), has published a request for information (RFI) for suppliers that could help it build its infrastructure.
The regulator, which operates under the Department for Internal Affairs, is planning to set up two platforms: A Trust Register, which will hold a list of organisations or individuals accredited by the Trust Framework Authority, and a centralised Issuance Platform, which will issue digital credentials. The latter will be a shared platform used by multiple government agencies, according to the RFI.
In its tender, the Trust Framework Authority said that it’s looking for platforms that can be configured out of the box and hosted on public or private cloud Infrastructure in the Australasian region. The platforms will be provided to the Department of Internal Affairs as a Service.
Global
Adobe and LinkedIn have announced a partnership focused on content authenticity and creator attribution protection through Adobe’s Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). The collaboration introduces new tools and integrations to help digital creators secure proper attribution and embed verified identities in their work, supporting growing industry efforts to combat digital content manipulation.
South Africa
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is expanding its smart ID and passport services through bank branches across the country, strengthening the nation’s ongoing efforts to modernise its identity infrastructure and improve citizen access to essential documentation services.
Currently, 30 bank branches across South Africa offer smart ID and passport services to South African citizens, naturalised citizens, and permanent residents. These locations allow individuals to apply for or renew their smart ID cards, which are replacing the older green ID books, and process passport applications. The smart ID card program, first introduced in 2013, represents an upgrade to the country’s identification system, incorporating enhanced security features and biometric verification capabilities.
