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Here are the main industry highlights of this week week impacting identity and fraud, cybersecurity, trust and safety, financial crimes compliance, and privacy and consent management.
🪄Innovation and New Technology Developments
Telegram Introduces Third-Party Verification, NFT Gift Conversion, and Enhanced Chat Features in Latest Update
Telegram Messenger‘s latest update introduces third-party account verification, allowing external authorities to authenticate accounts with a unique logo instead of the blue checkmark, aiming to reduce scams and misinformation. Organizations can use tools like the Bot API for verification and account management. Additionally, Telegram now allows converting gifts into NFTs, purchasable with Telegram Stars and tradable across platforms, with blockchain fees covered by an upgrade charge. Other updates include emoji reactions for service messages and advanced search filters, improving user experience and functionality. (Source)
Philippines Pilots Back-to-Back Birth and National ID Registration for Newborns
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has launched a pilot program integrating birth and National ID registration, enrolling 29 newborns at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila and issuing them ePhilIDs. This initiative ensures every child receives a legal identity from birth, supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As the digital ID system expands, financial institutions like Asia United Bank, BPI, and mobile wallets such as GCash now accept ePhilIDs for account opening and verification. (Source)
West Virginia mDL Now Available In App From Idemia, More Rollouts On The Way
West Virginia has launched mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) via the West Virginia mID app, developed with Idemia and the DMV. Compliant with ISO/IEC 18013-5 standards, the mDL enables secure, biometric-based identity verification, including TSA PreCheck at select airports. Users can selectively share personal information, enhancing privacy over physical IDs. Available on Apple and Android devices, the app plans future integration with OEM digital wallets. This rollout aligns with a growing U.S. trend, as states like Georgia adopt the Digital Trust Service and Illinois prepares to issue mDLs by 2025. (Source)
Vietnam Reaches 70M Enrolled in Biometric National ID Database
Vietnam has enrolled 70 million citizens into its national ID database over two years under its Digital Transformation Plan, establishing a centralized biometric identity system. The initiative includes chip-based physical ID cards, digital IDs, and the VNeID mobile app. Citizens must provide fingerprints, iris, and facial biometrics for ID applications. To address geographic and rural challenges, Vietnam partnered with local and international firms to develop portable devices and an AFIS system. Additionally, Vietnam is aiding Laos in building a similar national ID system, positioning itself as a model for biometric identity enrollment. (Source)
UK Pubs to Accept Digital ID for Age Assurance by Christmas 2025
By 2025, UK pubs and retail outlets will accept mobile digital IDs for age verification, reducing reliance on physical ID cards. These digital IDs must comply with the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) and use biometric authentication for security. Public consultation showed strong support for digital IDs in alcohol purchases, but age estimation technology remains excluded from regulations. Critics argue this exclusion stifles innovation and risks losing expertise to other countries. Physical IDs will still be available for those preferring traditional verification methods. (Source)
Odisha Government to Start Krushak ID Farmer Registration from New Year
@Odisha will launch a state-wide farmer registration from January 1, introducing the Aadhaar-linked Krushak Parichaya Patra (Farmer ID). This digital ID will link land records, livestock, crops, and scheme benefits, streamlining access to services and subsidies. e-KYC will be conducted via web applications, with registration camps at panchayat and village levels. Priority will be given to PM-Kisan registered farmers, aiming for completion by March 31, 2025. The initiative will reduce verification hurdles, improve access to loans and insurance, and enable data-driven agriculture policies for farmer welfare. (Source)
Health Catalyst Introduces AI-Powered Cybersecurity Solution
Health Catalyst has launched an AI-powered version of its BluePrint Protect platform, enhancing third-party cybersecurity risk management in healthcare post-Intraprise Health acquisition. Using Generative AI, it automates vendor response evaluations, reducing costs, time, and manual effort while improving vulnerability detection. The platform offers automated workflows, customizable solutions, and intuitive dashboards for enhanced risk visibility and scalability. Rated A+ in a KLAS Emerging Company Spotlight Report, it’s recognized for integration capabilities and cybersecurity impact. CEO Dan Burton emphasized its role in protecting healthcare organizations and optimizing liability management. (Source)
💰 Investments and Partnerships
Accel Raises $650M for Eighth India Fund, Targeting Growth in South Asia’s Evolving Tech Ecosystem
Accel has raised $650 million for its eighth India fund, building on its $550 million fund from 2022. Known for backing Flipkart, Swiggy, and Freshworks, Accel’s portfolio now exceeds $100 billion in collective valuation, with milestones like Swiggy’s $11.3 billion IPO in 2024. Unlike Sequoia and Matrix, Accel maintains a unified global structure and is increasingly exploring rural India for sustainable business opportunities. The fund underscores India’s tech ecosystem maturity, driven by robust capital markets and a surge in tech IPOs. (Source)
Ver.iD Secures €2M to Expand Digital Identity Verification Across Europe, Targeting Compliance and User Data Control
Dutch SaaS platform Ver.iD has secured €2 million in angel funding to expand its digital identity verification services across Europe, with plans for a €4 million funding round. The platform integrates ID wallets and digital identification methods, ensuring compliance with eIDAS 2.0, ISO27001, and DORA while prioritizing user data control. Used by insurance companies, municipalities, and accounting firms, Ver.iD enhances secure identity verification, reduces reliance on physical documents, and streamlines operational workflows. (Source)
IBM’s $6.4bn HashiCorp Acquisition Under UK Antitrust Review
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is reviewing IBM’s $6.4 billion acquisition of cloud software vendor HashiCorp to assess potential competition risks in UK markets. Stakeholder feedback is open until January 16, with a provisional decision expected by February 25. Announced in April, the deal aims to strengthen IBM’s cloud and AI software capabilities. HashiCorp, serving over 4,400 clients, including Fortune 500 companies, specializes in cloud infrastructure tools. In a separate development, IBM and Take-Two Interactive settled a patent lawsuit, with IBM agreeing to dismiss its claims permanently. (Source)
Texas Awards $170M Contract to SAIC for IT, Cybersecurity Services
Texas awarded SAIC a $170.9M contract for IT and cybersecurity services, including monitoring, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Joining states like Virginia and California, Texas benefits from SAIC’s expertise, also trusted by the Department of Defense for modernization projects. SAIC EVP Srini Attili emphasized leveraging innovative tech to address emerging cybersecurity threats. (Source)
⚖️ Policy and Regulatory
Location and Privacy of Volkswagen Electric Car Owners Exposed Due to Database ‘Misconfiguration’
A Der Spiegel report revealed a misconfiguration in Volkswagen subsidiary Cariad’s database, exposing GPS locations and contact details of 800,000 electric car owners in Europe, including Ireland and Germany. Brands like Audi and Skoda were also affected. Discovered by the Chaos Computer Club, the flaw enabled minute-by-minute vehicle tracking, posing risks of phishing, fraud, and blackmail. Volkswagen fixed the issue, assuring no passwords or payment details were compromised. Volkswagen Ireland has yet to comment. (Source)
US Treasury Says Chinese Hackers Stole Documents in ‘Major Incident’
The U.S. Treasury linked a recent cyberattack to a China-backed APT group, identified by BeyondTrust in December 2024. The Treasury, CISA, and FBI are assessing the impact. China denies involvement, while BeyondTrust has notified affected customers and law enforcement, offering support for the investigation. (Source)
Biden Administration Proposes New Cybersecurity Rules to Limit Impact of Healthcare Data Leaks
The Biden administration proposed new cybersecurity rules to strengthen healthcare data protection under HIPAA, addressing breaches that impacted over 167 million Americans in 2023. Announced by Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger, the rules mandate stronger encryption, compliance checks, and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Estimated costs are $9 billion in the first year and $6 billion annually thereafter. Open for public comment for 60 days, the proposal aims to counter the 89% rise in breaches and 102% surge in ransomware attacks since 2019, preventing disruptions and data misuse on the dark web. (Source)
AT&T and Verizon Say Networks are Secure After Being Breached by China-linked Salt Typhoon Hackers
AT&T and Verizon confirmed securing their networks after cyberattacks by the China-linked Salt Typhoon group, targeting high-profile government customers and foreign intelligence interests. Both companies report no ongoing malicious activity, with Verizon’s containment verified by a third-party cybersecurity firm. AT&T admitted limited data compromises, while Verizon worked with federal law enforcement to address the breach. Salt Typhoon reportedly targeted nine U.S. telecom providers, accessing administrator accounts linked to over 100,000 routers. (Source)
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Pause TikTok Shutdown
President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to halt the nationwide TikTok ban set for January 19, arguing a negotiated resolution could address security concerns without violating First Amendment rights. The ban, backed by Congress, demands ByteDance divest its ownership over fears of Chinese data misuse. ByteDance refuses, and lower courts upheld the law, which targets ownership, not content. Trump, shifting from his earlier anti-TikTok stance, warned of the ban’s broad impact but offered no specifics. The ban would block updates and hosting services, effectively disabling TikTok in the U.S., despite TikTok’s multibillion-dollar data security investments. (Source)
Biden Signs GSA Tech Accountability Bill Into Law
The GSA Technology Accountability Act, signed by President Biden, requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to submit annual reports to Congress on funding, costs, and details of tech projects funded by the Federal Citizen Services Fund (FCSF) and Acquisition Services Fund (ASF). Prompted by an Inspector General report on misleading compliance claims about Login.gov, the bipartisan bill aims to enhance transparency and oversight of GSA’s tech initiatives. Supporters believe it will protect taxpayer interests, improve governance, and ensure accountability in delivering federal digital services. (Source)
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