The G2 Weekly Podcast delivers insights into the world of identity and biometrics. Each week, the podcast will cover important developments in the field, making it a valuable resource for professionals in various sectors.

(January 6, 2026 - January 13, 2026 )

Join host Ralph Rodriguez, MIT Fellow and identity expert, for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of biometrics, digital ID, and AI security. This week’s episode of Identity Insights covers the critical shift toward deepfake resilience and the mainstream adoption of biometric payment rails.

Here are the key highlights from this episode:

• The Identity Security Convergence: Analyze CrowdStrike’s acquisition of SGNL, a signal move to collapse Identity and Access Management (IAM) and threat detection into a single "identity security" fabric.

• Biometric Payments Hit the Mainstream: Explore why JPMorgan is bullish on face and palm-based checkouts, alongside new integrations between Fiserv’s Clover and Wink biometrics.

• Travel and Border Transformation: Discover how CLEAR is deploying biometric eGates at Miami International Airport ahead of the 2026 World Cup and how Dubai is utilizing "on-the-move" corridors for seamless transit.

• Privacy-Preserving Innovations: A look at Ping Identity’s zero-knowledge biometrics and NEC’s new fused face and iris system designed for walk-through authentication.

• The Global mDL Expansion: Updates on Kentucky becoming the 19th U.S. state to launch mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs) and the progress of the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet.

• Policy and Regulation Heat: Understanding Meta’s "comply while contesting" stance on social media laws and the global push for age-assurance tools on platforms like Roblox.

• Defending Against AI Threats: How regulators in the UK and Ireland are responding to agentic AI and deepfakes, while new tools emerge to detect voice-based fraud.

• Market Momentum: Insights into the 62% revenue growth at Yoti and Rank One Computing’s $17M IPO filing, proving that identity remains a high-growth sector despite tightening macro conditions.

Interpreting the 2026 Landscape: Think of the current identity ecosystem as a digital passport that is learning to talk back. Much like a physical passport historically proved who you were at a gate, these new interoperable wallets and biometric systems are becoming "living" credentials that must constantly prove they aren't being spoofed by AI while simultaneously opening doors, from your local pub to international borders, without ever revealing more data than necessary.

Don't miss out on these and other essential updates by subscribing to the Identity Insights: The G2 Weekly Podcast. Stay informed about the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in identity and biometrics, a critical area for professionals in banking, fintech, insurance, telco, manufacturing, e-commerce, social, and healthcare

Credit and appreciation go to Google's NotebookLM for transforming my identity and biometrics newsletter into an AI-powered audio podcast!