Event Name: FIDO Alliance India Working Group (FIWG) Member Meetup and Workshop
Attendee: Over 100 participants representing 50+ organizations, hosted at the Google Ananta office in Bengaluru.
On Friday, 6 June 2025, I had the privilege of attending the FIDO India Working Group (FIWG) meetup as a panelist representing Mercari. The event brought together pioneers, thought leaders, and technologists to discuss the progress and future of FIDO-based authentication. Hosted at the Google Ananta office, the event wasn’t just an exchange of technical insights but also a collaborative space to ideate a passwordless future.

The discussions centered around the challenges of traditional authentication mechanisms involving passwords and OTPs and how FIDO’s innovative framework can streamline authentication while bolstering security. The event saw impressive contributions from companies like Google, Zoho, Times Internet, Mastercard, and VinCSS, further showcasing how FIDO standards are being applied to a wide array of industries, including IoT.With over 100 participants from 50+ organizations, the energy was palpable, enhanced by Google’s cutting-edge venue and delightful food.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning to Passkeys: Times Internet shared their hands-on journey of migrating from passwords to passkeys, highlighting technical obstacles as well as their solutions to make user adoption seamless. Hearing about their significant improvements in both user experience and security was an important learning experience for all.
• Zoho’s Impactful Solutions: Zoho presented their FIDO-compliant solutions, which are aiding numerous IT companies in enhancing authentication experiences. Their insights showcased how FIDO standards can deliver both security and usability in enterprise settings.
• Mastercard & RBI Collaboration: Mastercard unveiled their ambitious plans to roll out passkey authentication solutions in partnership with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The room was buzzing with excitement over how these upcoming changes could transform authentication systems in India, particularly in the financial sector.
• IoT with Passkeys (VinCSS): A standout topic was VinCSS’s work on embedding passkey-based authentication in IoT devices, such as WiFi routers, smart cameras, and other connected devices. It was fascinating to learn how passkeys are being extended beyond digital ecosystems and into the physical world, creating a unified and secure authentication experience.
• Updates from Google: Google teased some game-changing developments in FIDO authentication across Android and Chrome. Their commitment to driving adoption by integrating FIDO standards across their platforms demonstrates the alliance’s promising future.

Personal Experience:
Being part of this event as a panelist was an incredibly inspiring and fulfilling experience. Representing Mercari, I had the opportunity to share our journey of integrating FIDO into our platform, including the challenges we faced and the learnings that shaped how we approach security and user experience. It was especially humbling to hear Joon H. Lee (FIDO Alliance) speak so highly of Mercari and the remarkable work we’re doing in the space—definitely a proud moment!

Rooparsh with Joon H. Lee

What left an indelible mark on me was the brilliance and passion of the people present. I had the chance to network with industry experts like Niharika Arora, Joon H. Lee, and Sam Srinivas, each of whom shared invaluable perspectives on the evolving passwordless landscape. Their passion and expertise were infectious, reminding me of the incredible synergy that powers FIDO’s vision.

The discussion about passkey-based IoT devices by VinCSS really opened my eyes to FIDO’s broad applicability. It’s exciting to think about how this technology can transform everyday items and simplify our interaction with connected devices, while also fortifying security.

And, of course, a big shoutout to Google Ananta for their warm hospitality and vibrant ambience. The thoughtfully organized event, combined with a relaxed yet stimulating atmosphere, made the day even more memorable.

Closing Thoughts:
The FIDO India Working Group event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with some of the brightest minds, share our journey, and learn from the innovative experiences of others. My key takeaway is that the passwordless revolution is not just an ideal vision but a rapidly approaching reality, driven by the collaborative efforts of organizations like those present at the meetup.

At Mercari, we’re proud to be a part of this global movement, contributing to the growth and adoption of FIDO. I came back from the event brimming with new ideas and a renewed drive to push the boundaries of secure and user-friendly authentication.

To the amazing professionals who attended, let’s keep the spirit of collaboration alive. If you’re as excited about FIDO as we are, drop me a message—let’s continue this exciting conversation together!