Facial recognition, as a technology, is becoming more common, finding applications for law enforcement, border management and commercial enterprise. However, this has raised concerns about how it is being used and whether clear rules exist to govern it. To address this, the Biometrics Institute, an organisation that studies the responsible use of biometrics, recently published a report called ‘Members’ Viewpoints: The Use of Facial Recognition in Policing.’

A new and alarming threat to identity verification systems has emerged, as researchers at iProov1 have uncovered an operation known as ‘identity farming’.

For years, proof of identity relied solely on physical documents like passports or driving licences. However, the rise of new technologies has ushered in a wave of digital alternatives that offer greater convenience and security. Veridos, a leading provider of identity solutions, has identified four key technologies driving the evolution of digital identities.

The debate over national ID cards in the UK has been going on for years, with various initiatives failing in overcoming public resistance to the idea (see IDN September 2020). But despite the lack of a formal national ID card, the UK has effectively adopted digital identity systems that serve the same purpose.

Regula, a developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions, has unveiled the ForensicScope Regula 4125, a portable ID document scanner designed to detect face morphing, a sophisticated method of identity fraud that poses significant challenges to biometric systems.

The Batam Centre seaport in Indonesia is one of southeast Asia’s busiest and most complex border crossing points. Situated at the intersection of Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, Batam Centre serves as a vital conduit for international travelers and trade. With approximately 4.2 million passengers moving through Batam’s domestic and international ferry terminals in the first half of 2024, the location is a linchpin to regional connectivity.

European law enforcement agencies are increasing their efforts to combat digital identity theft through the implementation of the European Identity Theft Observatory System (EITHOS), a centralised platform designed to address online identity fraud across the continent.

The Swedish National Police is advocating for the deployment of real-time facial recognition technology to bolster efforts against serious crimes, such as those linked to the increasing number of gang-related incidents.

The rise of quantum computing poses serious risks to current cryptographic systems, threatening the security of identity management platforms and sensitive data across both public and private sectors. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is being developed to counter these risks, but readiness levels vary widely.

Previously, in ID & Secure Document News™, I have written about the demise of the paper visa in favour of electronic versions that offer greater convenience and functionality over their physical counterparts (see IDN March 2024). In this editorial I will look at another application where digital is rapidly replacing physical.