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 13, 2026 - January 20, 2026 )

Episode Title: 2026 Kickoff: TSA Expansions, Grok’s Privacy Woes, and the mDL Boom

The news firehose is back on! Join MIT Fellow Ralph Rodriguez as he breaks down a massive week in biometrics and digital identity. From Walmart’s GenAI integration to TikTok’s age assurance rollout, we analyze why these headlines signal an acceleration in real-world deployments for 2026.

In this episode:

• Age Assurance vs. AI Privacy: TikTok expands Yoti’s facial age estimation across Europe, while xAI’s Grok draws fire for image processing that may trample biometric privacy laws.

• Biometrics take Flight: TSA’s Touchless ID expands to 50 additional U.S. airports, and Greece sets an August deadline for mandatory eID cards for EU travel.

• The Wallet Revolution: Digital IDs move from pilot to utility as Okta starts a U.S. mDL verification beta and Montana enables mDL usage for traffic stops.

• Retail & GenAI: Walmart integrates Gemini to weave generative AI into every shopping step, raising new questions about fraud surfaces and conversion rates.

• Follow the Money: Capital keeps flowing with ROC targeting a $17M IPO for "American-made" biometrics and Checkr crossing $800M in gross revenue.

• Emerging Fraud Vectors: We discuss the rise of "ID renting" in the gig economy and Incognia’s 200% growth fueled by the failure of incumbent fraud solutions.

• Automotive Identity: Samsung and Hyundai continue to fuse digital wallets and car keys, pushing the boundaries of access control.

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!