News | ID & Secure Document News

Francis Tuffy

3 Feb. 2025

4 min read

Editorial: A Year of Acquisitions

The secure document and identity sector is going through a period of significant change, driven by mergers and acquisitions that I covered throughout 2024. As we start a new year, I want to take a step back and consider not just the headlines but the historical events and strategic thinking behind them.

Editorial

Francis Tuffy

27 Jan. 2025

2 min read

Sri Lanka Starts Digital ID Transformation

Sri Lanka has embarked on an ambitious digital transformation project with the introduction of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) programme. This initiative aims to replace the country’s traditional physical identification card system with a digital ID infrastructure, modernising identity verification and access to services for its citizens.

ID Cards

Francis Tuffy

20 Jan. 2025

2 min read

A Partnership for Security Papers

On 13 January 2025, DREWSEN SPEZIALPAPIERE, a German leader in the production of specialty and security papers, announced the acquisition of UK-based PORTALS PAPER Ltd, a well-known producer of high-security papers for passports and identity documents. This union merges the complementary strengths of two companies with rich traditions in secure papermaking, marking a significant development in the field of identity and counterfeit protection.

Company

Francis Tuffy

14 Jan. 2025

1 min read

Outgoing US Administration Gives Push to mDLs

In its final days, the Biden administration is preparing an executive order that emphasises the use of digital identity technologies, such as mobile driving licences (mDLs), to enhance identity verification for public benefit programmes.

Driving Licences

Francis Tuffy

25 Dec. 2024

2 min read

TECH5 Wins US Law Enforcement Contract

TECH5 has initiated the modernisation of the Virginia State Police’s Livescan systems, a critical upgrade aimed at enhancing biometric identification processes.

Company

Tobias Nuessle

24 Dec. 2024

4 min read

How the ID Industry Can Become More Sustainable and Help to Raise Awareness for Greener Travel

The travel and tourism industry is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. Various studies and reports in recent years have estimated that the industry is responsible for approximately 8-11% of global emissions.

Technical Features

Francis Tuffy

24 Dec. 2024

2 min read

New Document Issue San Marino ID Card

HID, a global provider of identity solutions, has unveiled its role in developing and deploying San Marino’s latest contactless ID card. This new national ID integrates security features and enhanced operational capabilities, representing advances in identity management for the historic republic.

ID Cards

Francis Tuffy

24 Dec. 2024

2 min read

Asia Celebrates Outstanding Design and Innovation

The annual Regional Banknote and ID Document of the Year Awards, a highlight of the High Security Printing ™ Asia Conference, took place in Bangkok, Thailand on 3 December. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders to celebrate exceptional achievements in design, security, and technological innovation across identity systems and banknotes.

Events Free Free

Francis Tuffy

24 Dec. 2024

3 min read

IDQR: Codes That Link Cards to Data

At the recent High Security Printing™ Asia conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Serge Wsevolojskoy, Product Manager for Security Features at IDEMIA Smart Identity, presented a comprehensive technical overview of the company’s new Identity Document Quick Response (IDQR) security system.

ID Cards Technical Features

Francis Tuffy

24 Dec. 2024

5 min read

News in Brief

A sharp rise in AI-assisted identity fraud is reshaping cybersecurity on a global scale, as highlighted in the 2025 Identity Fraud Report released by the Entrust Cybersecurity Institute.

News

Francis Tuffy

24 Dec. 2024

4 min read

HSP Asia Comes Full Circle for its 20th Anniversary

The 20th edition of the High Security Printing™ (HSP) Asia conference in Bangkok, Thailand (2-4 December 2024), marked an important milestone in advancing the region’s security printing industry.

Events

Francis Tuffy

24 Dec. 2024

4 min read

Quantum Cracks Military-Grade ID Encryption – or Did It?

Recent claims that Chinese researchers have cracked military-grade encryption using quantum computing have sparked concern and headlines. However, a further look at the claims reveals that the picture is not quite that straightforward.

Technical Features

Francis Tuffy

24 Dec. 2024

4 min read

2024: A Year of Convergence and Consolidation

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

News

Marc-Julian Siewert

27 Nov. 2024

2 min read

Christmas Time, Vacation Time: It’s Already a Bit Digital at the Border

Christmas is near. Many travellers will once again need their passport when crossing borders. However, digitisation is now reducing the steps required to check passports when travelling. Veridos demonstrates how modern technologies can ensure greater convenience and shorter queues.

Travel

Francis Tuffy

27 Nov. 2024

2 min read

Changes in Visa-Free Travel: A Bellwether for Global Mobility

The October 2024 edition of the Henley Passport Index ranks passport strength by the number of countries their holders can visit without requiring a visa. At the top of the list is Singapore, whose passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 195 countries, maintaining its position as a leader in global mobility.

Travel

Francis Tuffy

27 Nov. 2024

4 min read

Editorial: Governments Need CRVS, and CRVS Needs Identity

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for accurate public health data in crisis management, once again highlighting the importance of robust civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems.

Editorial

Francis Tuffy

27 Nov. 2024

11 min read

Interview with Dr Joseph Atick: Biometrics Pioneer and ID4Africa Co-Founder

Dr Joseph Atick is renowned for his pioneering work in the field of biometric identification, particularly in facial recognition technology. He is considered one of the founding figures in the development of biometric systems and has contributed significantly to making biometric identification widely accessible and usable.

Free Interviews Free

Francis Tuffy

27 Nov. 2024

5 min read

News in Brief

Lithuania’s Identity Documents Personalisation Centre (IDPC) has announced the termination of its passport production contract with Garsų Pasaulis, a prominent Lithuanian printing and security solutions company.

News

Francis Tuffy

27 Nov. 2024

3 min read

Secure Identity Sector Acquisitions Continue at Pace

The secure identity industry continues to witness significant consolidation as key industry players announce acquisitions to strengthen their portfolios and expand their offerings.

Company Free Free

Francis Tuffy

27 Nov. 2024

2 min read

New Orleans Launches Municipal ID Programme

New Orleans is set to join a growing number of US cities offering municipal ID cards, a step aimed at assisting immigrants, homeless individuals, and other residents who struggle to secure state-issued identification.

ID Cards

Latest News

Editorial: A Year of Acquisitions

Sri Lanka Starts Digital ID Transformation

A Partnership for Security Papers

Outgoing US Administration Gives Push to mDLs

TECH5 Wins US Law Enforcement Contract

How the ID Industry Can Become More Sustainable and Help to Raise Awareness for Greener Travel

New Document Issue San Marino ID Card

Asia Celebrates Outstanding Design and Innovation

IDQR: Codes That Link Cards to Data

News in Brief

HSP Asia Comes Full Circle for its 20th Anniversary

Quantum Cracks Military-Grade ID Encryption – or Did It?

2024: A Year of Convergence and Consolidation

Christmas Time, Vacation Time: It’s Already a Bit Digital at the Border

Changes in Visa-Free Travel: A Bellwether for Global Mobility

Editorial: Governments Need CRVS, and CRVS Needs Identity

Interview with Dr Joseph Atick: Biometrics Pioneer and ID4Africa Co-Founder

News in Brief

Secure Identity Sector Acquisitions Continue at Pace

New Orleans Launches Municipal ID Programme

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