Identity Verification Weekly: Biometrics at Borders, ATMs, and Beyond

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is planning a contract worth up to $50 million to support the integration of biometrics, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies into its systems.

The planned procurement covers a range of capabilities, including machine learning, data analytics, mobile applications, and biometric integration. Rather than announcing a single new border control system, CBP is exploring how to incorporate these technologies into existing and future applications.

Why it matters: Modernizing border control doesn't necessarily mean building entirely new systems. Border agencies already rely on a complex mix of applications, databases, document verification tools, and biometric technologies, often introduced at different times and for different purposes.

The bigger challenge is making these existing systems work together. New biometric and AI capabilities need to integrate with established infrastructure, share information reliably, and support consistent verification workflows without disrupting day-to-day operations. The ability to connect and manage different technologies can be just as important as the technologies themselves.

Japan's Gunma Bank has introduced cardless ATM transactions using facial recognition through Seven Bank's ATM network.

The service, called Gungin FACE CASH, allows registered customers to withdraw and deposit cash without inserting a physical bank card. Instead, transactions involve facial authentication alongside additional security credentials, including a dedicated passcode and cash card PIN.

Why it matters: Facial recognition is moving beyond remote banking onboarding into everyday financial transactions.

For banks, the challenge is to make these interactions more convenient without introducing new fraud risks. A biometric match can help confirm that the person using a service is the enrolled customer, but it still needs to be supported by secure onboarding, protection against spoofing, and additional authentication measures where appropriate.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported growing acceptance of biometric identification among air travelers in its 2026 Global Passenger Survey.

According to the survey, 58% of passengers used biometrics during an airport journey in the past year, up from 50% in 2025. Among travelers who had used biometric services, satisfaction reached 87%, while 78% said they would be willing to share biometric data to avoid repeatedly presenting passports or boarding passes.

Why it matters: Travelers are becoming more comfortable using biometrics during their journeys, particularly when it saves time and reduces repeated document checks.

However, growing acceptance does not eliminate the need for secure identity verification. Airlines, airports, and border authorities must ensure that biometric data is reliably linked to genuine travel documents and that identity checks remain accurate across different stages of a journey.

The findings also suggest that biometric technology alone cannot remove every travel obstacle. To make journeys smoother, digital identity systems need to work alongside immigration procedures and document requirements.

Apple has introduced facial age estimation in iOS as governments introduce new requirements for digital platforms to determine whether users are old enough to access certain services.

The feature lets eligible users in supported regions confirm their age using a facial image rather than relying solely on an identity document. It is part of Apple's broader response to age-assurance requirements affecting apps, online services, and digital content.

Why it matters: Age assurance is becoming a requirement for more digital services, but not every situation calls for full identity verification.

Facial age estimation offers a less intrusive way to check eligibility, particularly when a service only needs to establish whether a user is an adult. However, age estimates are not always accurate, especially for people close to the required age threshold.

Businesses need to determine what level of assurance each use case requires: when an age estimate is sufficient, when stronger verification is necessary, and how to protect personal information throughout the process.

New York has introduced age verification requirements for certain AI chatbot features, bringing conversational AI into the growing range of digital services subject to age-assurance rules.

Under the legislation, providers must verify users' ages before granting access to specified features restricted to minors. The requirements focus on potentially harmful chatbot interactions, including certain features designed to simulate personal or emotional relationships.

The law also addresses how age checks should be conducted, requiring providers to offer alternative verification methods rather than relying exclusively on government-issued identity documents.

Why it matters: Age verification is expanding beyond established use cases such as gambling, adult content, and age-restricted purchases. AI-powered services are becoming another area where providers need to distinguish between adult and underage users.

The challenge is to enforce age restrictions without adding unnecessary friction or collecting more personal information than needed.

The legislation also highlights the need for flexible age-assurance processes. Depending on the risk and legal requirements, a service may need anything from age estimation to stronger verification involving identity documents or biometrics.