According to biometric update.com Digital ID is coming to Finland, Germany, and Mexico

Finland, Germany, and Mexico are each continuing to digitize their population management to join the growing global movement towards having a national digital identity. The common driving force behind each of these accelerated measures appears to be the need for safe and contactless authentication means amid the ongoing COVID pandemic. In addition to this, these measures are also promised to expand access to vital government services and benefits to previously undocumented population segments.

Germany to allow digital ID stored on mobile devices, provide government data

The German government, in two new rulings, will allow German citizens to use their mobile devices to verify their identity and open access to government-generated data reports the Associated Press. According to the German Interior Ministry, individuals can start using an electronic version of their government ID stored on their mobile devices starting fall 2021. The ID is used with a PIN to verify and authenticate users for government and business transactions.

The move will allow Germany to overhaul its existing authentication systems that still require physical cards and reading devices. In a separate ruling, the German government announced that businesses and individuals may soon have open access to government-generated data to incubate new application development.

Germany to require fingerprints and biometric images for government IDs

German parliament passes EU biometric laws for passports and national IDsThe German parliament is implementing recently enacted EU regulations to require fingerprints and biometric images on national IDs, reports Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. The new fingerprint requirement will come into effect in August 2021 and will make the previously optional element on government-issued IDs mandatory.

Individuals will be required to provide two fingerprints to be included on their government-issued national ID, which are then stored electronically on the card. According to these new laws, effective May 2025 images for passports and national IDs have to be digitally created biometric images, and may only be submitted by approved vendors or taken at government offices.

Conventionally printed photographs will become invalid as they pose the threat of fraud through image morphing technology. This technology combines two images allowing two individuals to use the same ID.

German parliament also introduced changes to gender entries on passports and national IDs to include the letter “X” for individuals who do not wish to identify as male or female. This change is projected to be introduced as early as 2021.

Biometric devices for consumer authentication on and offline is the most prevalent theme in the week’s biometrics headlines, whether in the form of smartphone-based health passes, new native capabilities on mobile devices, or fingerprint-enabled payment cards.

Google and Microsoft are expanding their support for mobile biometrics, Idex Biometrics has announced a capital raise, Apple and startup GBT have filed patents on smartphone facial recognition, and online authentication providers Jumio, Onfido, FacePhi and Kabn have announced new customers.