Following last month’s exploration of vehicle licence plate identification (a slight departure from the usual focus of ID & Secure Document News™ on securing identities and payments), this month we delve into advances in automotive biometric technology.

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.

Since 2019, the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) conference is where cutting-edge research is revealed, debated, and refined, making it the must-attend event for those shaping the future of security in both physical and digital documents.

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 German government has announced plans to develop a state digital wallet for smartphones, which will allow citizens to identify themselves digitally across the European Union.

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.

How can the travel industry and authorities ensure efficient yet secure border crossings in the face of rising passenger numbers at airports? New technological solutions with biometric data provide the answer.

As identity document forgery becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for advanced security features in polycarbonate ID documents has become more critical.

The world is rapidly transitioning from physical to digital ID systems, and the approaches to this change across the globe are strikingly varied. How long can this shift to digital identity remain part of critical infrastructure when its implementation is so uneven around the globe?

Toppan Holdings has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the Citizen Identity Solutions division of HID Global from Assa Abloy, marking a significant move in the global identity solutions market.

The government of Burkina Faso has officially launched its next generation ePassport, featuring advanced security enhancements and meeting international standards for secure identity documents.

As advances in artificial intelligence and quantum computing accelerate, a growing sense of concern surrounds their potential to undermine the cryptographic systems that secure our digital identities.

Maybe it’s the return from the holiday season (in the northern hemisphere, at least) that has spurred three separate companies to publish white papers offering thought leadership on various aspects of the ID and secure document industry.

It’s not very often that ID & Secure Document News™ ventures beyond the remit of identifying and securing people and payments, but on this occasion vehicle licence plate identification, with its close ties to the security of driving licences, justifies the broader scope of identifying products.

The usual picture that comes to mind of a counterfeiter’s modus operandi is one of clandestine operations carried out under cover of darkness. But what happens when the illegal activities are carried out in plain sight and what is the industry doing to prevent them?

International ID Day, observed on 16 September, is a global initiative aiming to raise awareness about the fundamental human right to legal identity.

NEC is set to launch a new biometric authentication system this month, using advanced facial recognition technology to authenticate large groups of people simultaneously, even while they are in motion.

In a landmark move, IDEMIA Group has announced its entry into exclusive negotiations with IN Groupe for the acquisition of IDEMIA Smart Identity.

Reconnaissance, the High Security Printing™ (HSP) conference organiser, has announced that registration is now open for the upcoming HSP Asia event, scheduled for 2-4 December 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reconnaissance is pleased to introduce the enhanced features of the ‘ID Document Index’, an online reference tool designed to assist professionals in the identification and authentication of passports and ID documents worldwide.

Convenient, hassle-free border control not only makes it easier for citizens to travel, it also improves relations with neighbours and brings economic benefits.

Singapore-based telecom giant Singtel has launched the country’s first quantum-safe network, a significant move to secure identity and authentication platforms against emerging quantum computing threats.

Barcodes, particularly in the form of 2D barcodes such as QR codes, play an increasingly critical role in the security and functionality of passports and ID cards.

The US Army has recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its Next Generation Biometric Collection Capability (NXGBCC) system at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

ID authorities and providers didn’t have much time to rest following the successful High Security Printing™ Latin America conference in Santiago, Chile, in early June. A few weeks later, many of those present in Chile re-convened at the XXI CLARCIEV (Meeting of the Latin American and Caribbean Council of Civil Registry, Identities and Vital Statistics) in São Paulo, Brazil.

Armenia is set to introduce a new system for issuing ID cards and biometric passports by 2026, a significant step towards modernising its national identification infrastructure and enhancing security measures.

In response to a surge in fake certificate attestations, NoRKA-Roots, the field agency of the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NoRKA), has implemented a new security feature for certificate attestation. This initiative aims to protect the integrity of educational certificates for applicants from Kerala, India.

Like all industries, the ID and secure document sector is rightfully coming under scrutiny for its impact on the environment. When I sat down to consider the materials and energy that our industry uses to produce physical documents, I initially thought that I would be pushing at an open door in calling for alternatives to polycarbonate (PC) as the material of choice for passport datapages and cards. But the more I looked into it, the less obvious the choice became.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) has unveiled new driving licence and identification cards, along with self-service kiosks.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 evolution of smartphone display technology has significantly advanced biometric authentication, particularly in fingerprint recognition. Modern smartphones, such as the recently released Vivo X100s, are at the forefront of this innovation, featuring sophisticated under-display fingerprint sensors that enhance both security and user convenience.

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

In years to come, the ID and secure document research community will look back at the year 2024 with a hint of nostalgia as it fondly remembers the days of human- engineered counterfeits prior to the age of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled security attacks. The keynote address at the recent ODDS conference in Lisbon explained what we can look forward to.

I don’t know if you remember, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, several conspiracy theories circulated regarding Bill Gates and his involvement with digital identity. One theory claimed that Gates was pushing for widespread vaccination in order to implement a digital identification system tied to vaccination records.

In the first of this three-part series (see IDN April 2024), we delved into the rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and identities that make up Latin America (LatAm), and how they are distilled into the travel document of each country. Last month we got as far as the passport of El Salvador. We pick up the story, this month, in Guatemala.

Registration is now closed for this year’s High Security Printing™ (HSP) Latin America conference, which will take place in Santiago, Chile, from 3-5 June. As with previous HSP conferences, Reconnaissance has had to close registration weeks ahead of the event due to its popularity.

The Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) conference series has established itself as the only technical conference for advances in the crossover between physical, digital, and virtual document security. ODDS has been the launchpad for numerous new techniques that go on to achieve commercial success in the ID and secure document industry.

By his own admission, Renaud Laffont-Leenhardt, Product Line Director for Travel Documents at Thales, will have long retired by 2044, but that didn’t stop him from presenting a compelling vision for travel documents at the recent ODDS conference.

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators has announced the launch of its Digital Trust Service, with Utah and Maryland being the first states to sign on.

TOPPAN Gravity Ethiopia Share Company, a joint venture between TOPPAN Gravity Ltd and the government of Ethiopia, has embarked on a project to establish a state-of-the-art passport manufacturing and issuance plant in Addis Ababa.

Diffractive optically variable image devices (DOVIDs) are highly effective and robust security features for identity documents. Their inherent sophistication and security are known to offer a multitude of benefits in combating counterfeiting and ensuring the authenticity of ID documents.

As voters prepare to exercise their democratic right once again, we draw on an NBC News report to examine the growing trend of stricter voter ID requirements across various states.

Antoine Grenier is a seasoned leader, who built his strong background in engineering on large international projects.

Nestled among seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, Portugal’s vibrant capital city Lisbon played host to the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) 2024 conference (8-10 April).

Latin America (LatAm) boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and identities, intricately woven into the fabric of each nation. At the heart of this diversity lies the passport, a symbolic gateway that not only facilitates travel but also embodies the essence of sovereignty and citizenship.

In a significant move toward digital identity management, the Nepalese government has commenced assigning national ID numbers to children during birth registration, aimed at maintaining a comprehensive database of citizens from early childhood.

Reconnaissance International, publisher of ID & Secure Document News™ (IDN), has released the inaugural edition of the Directory of ID & Secure Document Suppliers.

The UK government has recently spotlighted digital identity and artificial intelligence (AI) as key technologies for state- supported research. Its policy document promises to reshape how the UK interacts with technology and pave the way for economic growth and a more inclusive society.

In an increasingly connected world, where patches and updates are delivered to your smartphone on a daily basis, Juliette Thomas and Jérôme Boudineau, from IDEMIA Smart Identity, ask why we need to wait for an electronic ID card to be reissued before we can get an updated operating system. Well now, we don’t!

One of the highlights of the High Security Printing™ (HSP) conferences each year is the regional awards for the best ID documents and banknotes, which this year were presented at the HSP gala dinner in Sofia.

In the realm of document security, Latvia is making significant strides with its new ePassport.

Nestling in the heart of the Balkans, Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, was the picturesque setting for the latest edition of the High Security Printing™ (HSP) conference series (4-6 March). The sell-out event, which had to close its doors to new registrations three weeks in advance, proved to be a success for participants, exhibitors, presenters, and sponsors alike!

Since commenting on the state of voter ID at the 2020 US presidential election (see IDN November 2020), ID & Secure Document News™ has followed up with several other stories (IDN January 2021, June 2021 and August 2022) that demonstrate the overlap between ID, technology and politics.

France has officially introduced its digital driving licence system following successful trials in Hauts-de-Seine, Eure-et-Loir, and Rhône, as announced by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.

In my previous roles within security print-related companies, all the way to my current editorial duties, I’ve witnessed many shifting patterns in the landscape of identity and secure documents.

With the advent of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), detecting forged documents has taken a significant leap forward.

In an industry dominated by large-scale operations catering to government and corporate contracts, one small-format security print business is making a big impact with its specialised services.

Such has been the demand to attend the High Security Printing™ EMEA conference (HSP) in Sofia, Bulgaria, that registration for the event has now closed.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has solidified its commitment to supporting the production of secure identity documents in Greece through a €10.5 million 10-year loan to Veridos Matsoukis, a prominent printer specialising in secure ID documents.

South Africa’s new driving licence cards will not launch by the end of March 2024, as former Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula first announced.

The US government has recently awarded a substantial three-year contract, worth $386.3 million, to General Dynamics, a leading defence contractor, for the operation of its biometric ID management infrastructure.

Optic ID, an iris authentication system developed by Apple, is a key feature integrated into Apple’s new Vision Pro headset. This technology enables users to securely unlock their device, authorise transactions, access personal data, and sign-in to various applications using iris recognition.

This month, three new document issues go on record, with the launch of the Macau Electronic ID, the Latvia ePassport and the Greece ePassport.

The surge in biometric technology, particularly facial recognition, within the aviation sector is poised to redefine the passenger experience at airports across the world. In this round up, we take a look at a range of automated border control initiatives from across the globe.

In a move aimed at bolstering its commitment to enhancing global safety and security, IDEMIA Group has announced a comprehensive reorganisation, which became effective on 2 January 2024.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and connectivity, the concept of digital identity is at the forefront of discussions worldwide. As we delve into 2024, the lines between our physical and online worlds continue to blur, prompting nations to reconsider the way they handle citizen information.

In a year that is predicted to see the continued shift from physical to digital identity management, ID & Secure Document News™ interviewed Marc- Julian Siewert, CEO of Veridos, to help us assess the impact of the transition.

In a significant digital innovation, Kenya has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, overhauling its visa application process.

In a move to enhance security and streamline travel processes, Liechtenstein has introduced a new national identity card for travel and a revamped residence card for EU/EEA/CH citizens.

Recent studies from Columbia University suggest a shift in some of the strongest held assumptions about fingerprint analysis by challenging the conventional notion of the absolute uniqueness of fingerprints.

As we step into a year marked by national elections across seven of the world’s ten most populous countries, the democratic process is gaining increasing global attention.

HID, a trusted identity solutions leader, recently received acclaim at the London Design Awards for its Bahrain ePassport design.

At a time when identity management systems have overlapping dependencies on physical documents, digital transactions and virtual identities, ensuring the security of our financial interactions and identity verification has become of paramount concern.

In a quiet amendment to a new criminal justice bill, the UK government has granted police the authority to conduct facial recognition searches on a vast database containing images of all 50 million driving licence holders in the country.

The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS), in the US, said the state is changing the look of its driving licences and state ID cards, starting in 2024.