ID Tech Digest – March 5, 2025

Welcome to ID Tech’s latest digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:

Meta Expands Facial Recognition Tools to UK and EU for Fraud Prevention

Meta is expanding its facial recognition technology for account recovery and scam prevention to the United Kingdom, European Union, and South Korea following regulatory approval. The expansion includes a tool designed to detect and block fraudulent advertisements that misuse celebrity images. Public figures in Britain and the EU will soon be able to opt into a “celeb-bait” protection feature, which scans profile pictures and compares them against faces in suspected fake ads, blocking unauthorized usage. Meta initially halted facial recognition in 2021 over privacy concerns but reintroduced it in October 2024 to combat AI-generated scams. The company is also rolling out facial recognition-based account recovery, allowing users to verify their identity with a short video. Meta claims facial data will be deleted after verification and that the system complies with European data protection regulations.

Keyless Wins Top Security Award for Biometric Authentication Bridge

Keyless less has won the 2025 Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Best Multi-Factor Authentication, recognized for its IDV Bridge feature, which integrates biometric authentication with identity verification. The technology allows users to authenticate with biometrics after an initial identity check, reducing the need for repeated verifications while maintaining security. The company reported a 657 percent increase in annual recurring revenue in 2024, reflecting strong market growth. Keyless recently launched a browser-based biometric authentication SDK and integrated its solution with Microsoft Azure Marketplace.

South African Rail Giant Transnet Deploys Palm-Vein Biometric Access Controls

Transnet Engineering , South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, has implemented palm vein biometric kiosks to secure access to its SAP Enterprise Asset Management systems. The technology replaces traditional password-based authentication, reducing security risks such as credential sharing and theft. Palm vein biometrics captures vascular patterns beneath the skin using near-infrared light, offering a more secure and spoof-resistant method than fingerprints or facial recognition. The system streamlines employee authentication while maintaining high security standards.

India Eases GST Registration with Cross-State Biometric Authentication

India’s tax authorities have updated the Goods and Services Tax registration process, allowing company promoters and directors to complete biometric authentication in their home state when registering in another state. Previously, applicants had to travel to the state where they sought registration. The new system, available in 33 States and Union Territories, enables users to select a GST Suvidha Kendra in their home state and schedule an appointment for biometric verification. Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim are expected to join soon. The system, leveraging India’s Aadhaar biometric infrastructure, aims to reduce fraudulent registrations while simplifying compliance for businesses expanding across states. However, if the applicant also serves as the Primary Authorized Signatory, they must still visit the jurisdictional GSK for document verification.

Paravision Leads DHS Face Liveness Test with Record-Low 3.6 Percent Error Rate

Paravision achieved the lowest combined error rate among 15 vendors in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ’s evaluation of facial liveness detection technology. Its presentation attack detection software recorded a combined error rate of 3.6 percent in the Remote Identity Validation Technology Demonstration Track 3 testing, significantly outperforming the second-best system’s 8.5 percent error rate. The system achieved a bona fide presentation classification error rate of 0.3 percent and an attack presentation classification error rate of 3.3 percent while maintaining processing speeds under one second per verification. The DHS Science and Technology Directorate noted that the technology demonstrated consistent accuracy across demographic groups. Paravision’s solution builds on its prior iBeta Level 2 certification for ISO/IEC 30107 compliance and is designed for secure remote identity verification.

Trust Stamp Earns D-seal Privacy Certification for Biometric Identity Tech

Trust Stamp has achieved D-seal certification, affirming its compliance with European data protection and privacy standards for biometric identity solutions. The certification process involved a voluntary evaluation of the company’s data handling and security measures. This milestone follows Trust Stamp’s recent patent for cross-platform biometric interoperability, reinforcing its position in secure identity solutions. Group Chief Technology Officer Scott Francis emphasized that the certification aligns with the company’s commitment to security, privacy, and interoperability.

RightCrowd and Veridas Partner to Enhance Biometric Access Control Security

RightCrowd and Veridas have integrated their technologies to enhance secure workforce access through facial authentication and physical identity management. The partnership combines RightCrowd’s SmartAccess system with Veridas’ facial authentication technology, which has performed strongly in NIST testing. The solution enables remote identity pre-validation using government ID verification and facial authentication without storing facial images. It allows authorized individuals to gain entry via facial authentication or a QR code while automating security measures such as badge printing when necessary. The integration includes privacy protections to address regulatory concerns and is already deployed by Fortune 50 companies in over 85 countries.

South Africa Halts Biometric Driver’s License Deal Over Security Concerns

South Africa’s Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has called for a High Court review of IDEMIA’s involvement in a biometric driving license system tender, citing concerns over data protection and technical capacity. An Auditor-General South Africa audit found irregularities in the bidding process, including IDEMIA’s failure to meet key technical requirements despite securing the contract. While the audit confirmed that data protection measures were included in bid specifications, other issues raised concerns. IDEMIA’s biometric systems at three South African airports have faced reported challenges, adding to scrutiny over its technical capabilities. Minister Creecy has instructed the Department to seek a declaratory order from the High Court to determine the next steps for modernizing South Africa’s driving license system.

Bahrain First in Gulf to Launch Digital Travel-Enabled National ID Cards

Bahrain has become the first Gulf Cooperation Council country to integrate digital travel credential features into its national identity card. The Information & eGovernment Authority announced that the upgraded ID card incorporates Public Key Infrastructure technology and meets International Civil Aviation Organization standards. The card includes a travel application-ready chip, allowing it to function as a digital travel document in countries that accept electronic credentials. Bahrain recently launched eKey 2.0, a biometric authentication system, as part of its broader digital transformation strategy. The new ID card features enhanced security measures, including biometric data and increased storage capacity. Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa has instructed officials to coordinate with other nations for travel document recognition.

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March 5, 2025 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala