EUROPE/ASIA

Expansion of Russia’s Unified Biometric System and Its Impact on Foreign Citizens and Businesses

Sofia Martinelli3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

Russia’s Unified Biometric System registered over 200,000 foreign citizens in 2025, requiring biometric data for SIM acquisition. The government is streamlining the process and intends to connect businesses with the UBS. Sberbank has installed 900,000 biometric payment terminals, signaling growing adoption. Concerns among businesses about costs persist, but system usage is rising significantly. In 2025,…

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Calls for Transparency in Police Use of Facial Recognition Technology

Sofia Martinelli1 month ago1 month ago06 mins

Human rights groups are advocating for transparency in police facial recognition technology, highlighting the need for accountability, oversight, and specific laws governing its use. In the UK, concerns are raised about the implications of accessing drivers’ database for surveillance, while Georgia investigates allegations of facial recognition use against protestors. The report underscores a balance between…

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Cyprus Launches Digital ID Application Process for Citizens

Sofia Martinelli3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Cyprus has initiated a digital ID application process called IDME.cy for citizens aged 18 and above. Applications began on January 27, 2023, requiring online submission and biometric capture. The digital ID enhances security and access to services, with the first 30,000 IDs issued for free. A digital wallet for storing IDs will also be launched,…

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Armenia Advances Biometric Passport and ID Card Initiative

Sofia Martinelli3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Armenia is set to roll out new biometric passports and ID cards by 2026. Three bidders have advanced in the tender process for this public-private partnership project. Details of the proposals will be revealed on October 10, with a selection anticipated by the end of March 2025, improving service efficiency at airports and government offices….

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Checkin.com Enhances Telecommunications with Biometric Authentication for Ooredoo

Sofia Martinelli3 months ago3 months ago07 mins

Checkin.com partners with Ooredoo to implement biometric authentication to streamline customer onboarding and enhance compliance in telecommunications. This collaboration aligns with a global trend of adopting biometrics to combat fraud and meet regulatory requirements in the industry. As countries adopt strict identity verification measures, similar partnerships may emerge, reinforcing the move towards secure telecom practices….

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California DMV Enhances Mobile Driver’s License Security with AuthenticID

Ethan Nash3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

California DMV has integrated AuthenticID’s biometric technology to enhance the security of mobile driver licenses. This system quickly verifies identities using face matching and liveness detection, reducing fraud risks. The initiative supports the growing acceptance of digital IDs in various sectors, with California being a leader among states offering mDLs. AuthenticID has partnered with the…

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Cyprus Launches Digital ID Application Process for Citizens

Raj Desai3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

As of January 27, 2023, Cyprus has opened applications for digital ID cards for citizens 18 and older. The digital ID, IDME.cy, aims to streamline access to services and supports biometric authentication. Initial adopters can receive their IDs for free, with a focus on compliance with EU regulations and future integration with digital services. Cyprus…

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Taiwan Urges Citizens to Avoid Chinese ID Cards Amid Sovereignty Concerns

Raj Desai4 months ago4 months ago05 mins

Taiwan’s government warns citizens against obtaining Chinese ID cards, citing 670 citizenship revocations in the past decade linked to Chinese documents. President Lai Ching-te highlights that these actions may be part of China’s strategy to secure claims over Taiwan amid increasing military threats. Local promotional tactics are aiming to incentivize Taiwanese to adopt Chinese documents,…

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New SIM Card Regulations for Foreigners in Russia Effective January 2025

Raj Desai4 months ago4 months ago04 mins

Russia will implement stricter rules for foreigners acquiring SIM cards from January 1, 2025, requiring in-person registration, unique identifiers like SNILS and device IMEI, and biometric verification. Existing SIM card holders must confirm their identities by July 1, 2025, or risk service suspension. Foreign individuals will be limited to a maximum of ten registered numbers,…

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Cyprus Unveils Digital Citizen Mobile App for Streamlined Official Documentation

Sofia Martinelli5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Cyprus has launched the Digital Citizen mobile app, enabling citizens to manage official documents digitally. The app supports identity cards, driving licenses, and vehicle certificates, using QR codes for efficient scanning. It is part of the IDMe.cy program under EU regulatory compliance, aimed at enhancing digital services and promoting a modern governmental structure. Cyprus has…

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