The Directorate of Bulgarian Identity Documents has announced the introduction of a new model of ID card, which will contain biometric data of two fingerprints and facial biometric data, in addition to the physical image.

The 2024 High Security Printing™ (HSP) Latin America conference took place for the second time in its 12-year history in Chile, a country renowned for its contrasting landscapes, ranging from the world’s driest desert to ancient, unexplored glaciers.

The issue of fake degree certification has long troubled Pakistan’s educational landscape, posing significant challenges to the integrity of academic qualifications and the credibility of educational institutions. The prevalence of counterfeit degrees not only undermines trust in the education system but also compromises the standing of individuals holding such qualifications.

Since physical documents such as national passports remain the root of trust for establishing identities, the necessity to stay well ahead of counterfeiters is paramount. Advanced diffractive optically variable image devices (DOVIDs) have emerged as a crucial component in securing identity documents against counterfeiting and manipulation.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Veridos has been at the forefront of providing innovative passport systems and digital identity solutions, adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape while addressing the growing need for security and reliability. Join ID & Secure Document News™ as we explore the milestones, challenges, and future aspirations of Veridos in this conversation with its CEO, Marc-Julian Siewert.

The new Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has definitively ruled out the introduction of digital ID cards in the UK, following a call from former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair for such documents to aid in migration control.

Reconnaissance International – the leading global source of business intelligence on currency, identity, authentication, tax stamps, and traceability – has unveiled a new industry reference glossary.

Covestro’s Specialty Films division, a leading player in materials for passports and ID cards, has received the Blue Shield Market Development Award at the annual Security Document Summit (SDS) in China – recognising the division’s commitment to enhancing the security of citizen identification documents.

The European Union (EU) and Serbia have signed an agreement to enhance operational cooperation in border management with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, known as Frontex.

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.

The Dutch National Office for Identity Data (RvIG) unveiled the next generation of Dutch passports and national ID cards at the recent Identity Week conference in Amsterdam. The documents feature the LASINK™ Helios security enhancement from IDEMIA Smart Identity (ISI). The updated documents are scheduled for circulation in Q3 and Q4 2024, with an expected production rate of approximately 4 million documents annually.

The recent election in Congo has been marred by significant issues related to poor-quality voter ID cards, casting a shadow over the democratic process.

Switzerland’s National Council has decisively approved the Federal Council’s new proposal for the introduction of electronic proof of identity (eID). This development marks a significant technological step forward, following the rejection of an initial proposal three years ago. The new eID is projected to be introduced in 2026.

In the final episode of this three-part series (see IDN April and May 2024), we complete our criss-cross journey through the gallery of Latin American travel documents. Alphabetically, we had got as far as the passport of Panama. Our travels recommence this month with Paraguay, concluding in Venezuela.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has issued a call to governments worldwide to join the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN). This initiative aims to prevent problems surrounding travel restrictions in the event of future health crises.

The prestigious Regional Banknote and ID Document of the Year Awards form part of the industry’s High Security Printing™ (HSP) Latin America conference. This year’s event was held in Santiago, Chile, with the awards presented at a special ceremony during the conference dinner on 4 June, at the Viña Santa Carolina winery.

In an EU-funded research project, a broad consortium of developers and researchers has laid the foundations for the smart border management of the future. Combining the highest security standards with convenient travel, the D4FLY project, led by Veridos, focuses on new solutions for identity and document verification, including AI and biometrics.

On 20 May 2024, the Digital Identity Regulation came into force, marking a significant step in the evolution of digital identity management across the European Union.

In May 2024, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ID4Africa, the premier global gathering for the Identity for Development (ID4D) movement, celebrated its 10th anniversary in Cape Town, South Africa.

Automated and biometric solutions can make travel safe, easy, and hassle- free. But there are still challenges to overcome – and not just technical ones.