Onfido, the global leader in automated identity verification, has announced its acquisition of Airside Mobile, Inc., a pioneer in private, digital identity sharing technology. This strategic move positions Onfido as a key player in the travel industry by introducing user-controlled digital identity. With Airside’s shareable digital identity technology, trusted by major U.S. government agencies and utilized by over 10 million travelers, Onfido aims to redefine the process of identity verification and create a “verify once, use anywhere” ecosystem.
Airside Mobile has made a significant impact in the travel industry, with its digital identity app enabling passengers to fast-track through U.S. airports. The app has been embraced by the world’s largest airlines, offering a seamless and efficient experience for travelers. Airside’s privacy-first identity management technology, combined with Onfido’s industry-leading verification solutions, will pave the way for a new era of digital identity management across various sectors including travel, financial services, e-commerce, and internet platforms.
The integration of Airside’s technology into Onfido’s platform will empower customers to manage their own digital identity stored on their smartphones. This eliminates the need for repetitive verification processes when accessing new services, offering convenience and efficiency to users. Additionally, businesses will benefit from a more streamlined user experience, enabling effective onboarding and expanded customer relationships. The integration will also help reduce fraud and minimize the risk associated with handling sensitive data.
Adam Tsao, the founder of Airside, will take on the role of General Manager within Onfido. Tsao’s expertise and Airside’s commitment to privacy align seamlessly with Onfido’s mission to simplify digital identity for everyone. The partnership aims to provide users with control over their identity and offer organizations greater confidence in their customers’ authenticity.
Mike Tuchen, CEO of Onfido, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Until now identity verification has digitized physical processes, but those processes haven’t changed. We’re still handing our identity over to be checked every time we access a new service. This partnership will change that – giving users control and organizations greater confidence in who their customers are.”
Onfido’s Real Identity Platform, known for establishing trust between governments, businesses, and individuals, combines document and biometric verification, trusted data sources, and fraud detection signals. By integrating Airside’s Digital Identity App, users can securely store their verified digital IDs on their devices, eliminating the need to carry physical documents or share excessive personal information for identity verification.
The collaboration between Onfido and Airside will benefit millions of consumers from around the world. By leveraging Onfido’s network of over 900 business partners, users will have instant access to a wide range of products and services using their digital identities. For instance, a traveler who shares their digital ID to expedite airport security can use the same digital ID to access a rental car or hotel room without waiting in line. The possibilities are extensive, from opening a trading account to applying for a mortgage, and one day, even voting.
Gartner predicts that by 2026, 50% of smartphone users will frequently utilize verifiable claims stored in their decentralized identity wallets. With a single user-controlled digital identity applicable across multiple services, businesses can eliminate the cost of maintaining and securing multiple identity profiles. Moreover, compliance and regulatory requirements can be simplified by minimizing the storage and processing of extensive sensitive data.
Airside’s digital identity platform is certified to the highest international standards for privacy, compliance, and security, including approvals from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), FIDO2 (Fast Identity Online), and Kantara Initiative’s Trust Mark Status List.
The acquisition has been finalized, and the availability of Onfido products and services based on Airside’s technology is scheduled for later this year.
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