The National Identification Agency (NIDA) has announced that the new Digital ID to be given out will not display too much information about its holder. It will only contain a photo and an identification number, while helping people access services quickly. For example, instead of waiting a month to access certain services, people will be able to receive them within just a few hours using this new ID.
This was revealed by Manago Dieudonné, the Director General in charge of the production and distribution of the Digital ID at NIDA.
This new ID is in line with the law on personal data protection as well as the 2023 Digital ID Law.
He said: “This is therefore an ID that comes at a time when technology has reached an advanced stage. They want this digital ID to play a key role in the provision of services, especially since if we claim that we have advanced in technology, the services offered to citizens should be delivered as quickly as possible compared to the past.”
He added: “Let’s say if you used to get a service in five days or in one month, now a service you could only get in a month, you can receive it in three or five hours, or even immediately, thanks to technology that eases service delivery.”
He also noted that this Digital ID will empower the technology-driven economy, just like other forms of digital financial systems. For instance, people can withdraw money from their bank account without moving, or send money to others from home without requiring assistance in accessing services.
He said: “In that digital economy, the digital ID is needed to accelerate those services.”
Its Unique Features
According to Manago Dieudonné, the current ID in use was also digital, but the new one has more advanced features.
He said: “Mainly, the old one was based on two fingerprints, but now the improvement is that we are moving to all ten fingers, the iris of the eyes, and the face, and all of this will be controlled by a system.”
He explained that this will eliminate fraud that could allow someone to use two different IDs.
He also said that those who already have an ID will keep the same number, and individuals will have options for how they want to carry the new Digital ID.
He said: “As the owner, you can choose to have it stored in your smartphone or printed. It will be an ID with only your photo and ID number, no other information displayed. You may give it a name or not, but the number will remain the same, unlike the current one.”
According to Manago, issuing this Digital ID will also come with an easy way to correct errors made during its production, as well as updating personal information. For example, if someone wants to ‘update’ their address or other details, it will be done in a simplified manner.
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