The trouble is, it is not clear that these identity-verification systems are worth the cost and trouble of introducing them.

ECONOMIST: BIOMETRICS

For example, the company last summer inquired with identity-verification providers about how to get verifiable consent from parents of children who want to use Facebook, the people said.

WSJ: Facebook Explores Access for Younger Kids

The company points out that customers can't bank with the card or use it outside the U.S. But other stored-value cards, often branded by Visa or MasterCard, can be accessed for cash via atms worldwide and reloaded with cash online or at checkout counters without a bank account or face-to-face identity verification.

FORBES: Cash Is King

Sharing data across agencies can help achieve these goals, for example, by allowing up-front verification of identity, location, and income when appropriate for benefits programs.

WHITEHOUSE: Testimony of Joshua Gotbaum