By Chris Burt

Biometrics are replacing identity documents in two of the most-read stories on Biometric Update this week, at least on a trial basis. Passports are still a necessary part of the traveler identity verification system, however, and being upgraded in several countries, while birth registration policies are changing in Nigeria. Though it was a relatively quiet first week of 2024 for many businesses, General Dynamic won a major biometrics contract in the U.S., and Worldcoin announced its latest expansion of biometric enrollments.

Top biometrics news of the week

Passports bearing chips with biometric data are replacing documents with machine-readable zones on a mandatory basis in Pakistan, with a launch planned as soon as this year. In Israel, travelers with legacy passports will not be able to use automated border control systems at the country's largest airport, while in Russia, the government is planning to transition to biometric passports for public service access. Libya is planning to issue machine readable biometric passports, and Nigeria is nearing readiness of its automated passport application system.