Biometrics, Digital Wallets Transform Travel, Security

Published Date : 9/28/2025 

Biometrics and digital wallets are transforming travel, from airport security to border control and supply chain management. This article explores recent developments and their implications. 

Biometrics and digital wallets are taking their position for the future of travel, enhancing security and efficiency in various sectors. From getting through airports to crossing borders and organizing complex supply chains, these technologies are set to revolutionize the travel industry. Recent news and surveys highlight the widespread change and potential benefits, while also pointing out potential vulnerabilities.

The UK government has announced its readiness to control its borders using digital ID, but rights groups are pushing back. Surveys from Amadeus and Phocuswright indicate that travelers are increasingly open to biometric travel solutions. Eurotunnel is also preparing for biometric checks, and digital wallets are set to launch in Ghana and Djibouti. However, a recent ransomware attack on Collins Aerospace's passenger processing system disrupted flights, underscoring the need for robust security measures.

Major disruptions at several of Europe’s largest airports last weekend were traced back to a ransomware attack on the common-use passenger processing system from Collins Aerospace. Biometric check-in and boarding systems relying on the software were affected. The UK’s National Crime Agency has arrested an individual, but the investigation remains ongoing. SITA discusses how the infrastructure fits the biometrics and digital ID elements together in a blog post, and surveys from Amadeus and Phocuswright highlight the projected benefits of biometrics-based air travel for all stakeholders.

Authorities in Ghana plan to integrate digital wallet functionality into the Ghana Card, enabling payment authentication. This move could turn the national digital ID card into a revenue-generating tool for the government, while lowering costs for banks and easing transactions for Ghanaians. The Ghana Card already includes passport functionality. Djibouti has signed an MoU with Visa to work on a national digital wallet, aiming to ease access to digital public services, payments, and digital identity.

Having people get out of their cars, as they will have to when leaving the UK via the Eurotunnel for EES biometrics checks, is a different approach. However, the deployment of biometric kiosks, including hundreds from IN Groupe, is expected to be completed on time and avoid chaos. Mandatory digital ID for employment eligibility checks is the UK’s plan to reduce illegal immigration, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Tony Blair Institute and Big Brother Watch have argued for and against the plan, with repetitive messaging indicating a focus on convincing new audiences.

For freight, digital ID bound with biometrics and cryptography connects people and businesses to a range of dynamic qualifications and authorizations. Trustd CEO Lyle Cresswell explains the unique identity-related needs of the logistics sector and how they are served within the context of systems like the DIATF and eiDAS 2.0.

However, there is also bad news. A new method of delivering deepfakes with jailbroken devices running iOS 15 or later has been discovered by iProov. The method, traced back to hackers in China, uses a Remote Presentation Transfer Mechanism server to inject deepfakes into devices, defeating liveness detection systems securing identity verification.

The U.S. federal government has quietly expanded ICE’s surveillance capabilities, utilizing Palantir technology in several areas. Gaps in oversight and regulation have enabled the collection of international students’ biometrics as far back as 2018, blurring the boundary between civil and criminal enforcement. The U.S. federal government has also taken DNA from thousands of American citizens for inclusion in an FBI database, raising concerns about genetic privacy.

Digital Identity New Zealand hosted a pair of roundtable events for officials to hear from the ACCS and AVPA about the country’s age assurance options. Discussions focused on Australia’s recently-concluded trial and how international standards and lessons can be applied in New Zealand. Instagram is automating Teen Account determinations in Canada, the UK, and Australia with an age inference based on user behavior and viewing habits. Meta is the second Silicon Valley giant to adopt its own age inference to gate content.

In the latest Biometric Update Podcast, Professor Fraser Sampson, former UK Biometrics and Surveillance Commissioner, discusses police use of live facial recognition in the UK and beyond. Wink CEO Deepak Jain talks about the company’s recent merger with global payment technology and services provider Phoenix Managed Networks, explaining why Wink made the move and how the merger positions it in the global market. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What are the main benefits of biometric travel solutions?

A: Biometric travel solutions offer enhanced security, faster processing, and a more seamless travel experience for passengers. They can also reduce costs and improve efficiency for travel operators.

Q: How are digital wallets being integrated into national ID systems?

A: Digital wallets are being integrated into national ID systems to enable secure payment authentication, lower costs for financial institutions, and simplify transactions for citizens. Examples include Ghana and Djibouti.

Q: What recent disruptions have affected biometric systems in airports?

A: A ransomware attack on Collins Aerospace's passenger processing system disrupted biometric check-in and boarding systems at several of Europe’s largest airports, highlighting the need for robust security measures.

Q: What are the concerns with the UK's plan for mandatory digital ID?

A: Concerns include privacy issues, potential misuse, and the impact on civil liberties. Rights groups like Big Brother Watch are pushing back against the plan.

Q: How is digital identity being used in the logistics sector?

A: Digital identity, bound with biometrics and cryptography, connects people and businesses to a range of dynamic qualifications and authorizations, improving compliance and security in the logistics sector. 

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