Digital ID Technology & Security - #goodid

The Acceleration of Digital Identification in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic instigated a swift acceleration of technological advancements – a shift many were unfamiliar with prior to the previous year. The expedited development of mRNA COVID vaccines exemplifies significant scientific and technological achievement. Current initiatives in both the United States and Europe, centered around mandating proof of vaccination for various activities, present a glimpse into the substantial potential of evolving identification systems, alongside a cautionary note regarding potential drawbacks if implementation is flawed.

Current Approaches to Proof of Vaccination

Currently, in the United States, verification is often achieved through a simple paper document – frequently handwritten with vaccination details – or even a photograph of it. This method appears outdated in comparison to the European Union’s Digital COVID Certificate.

This certificate utilizes a scannable QR code, providing instant access to data from governmental health systems, confirming vaccination status, COVID-19 test results, and evidence of immunity acquired through prior infection.

The Rise of Digital IDs and Global Impact

The Digital COVID Certificate serves as a prime example of a digital ID. Governments worldwide are increasingly adopting these technologies to address a critical global issue: the lack of official identification for approximately one billion individuals.

This deficiency creates a significant obstacle to full participation in modern society, restricting access to employment, education, and essential daily activities. Digital IDs can streamline and enhance the security of banking, voting, travel, and access to government services, while also protecting social media profiles and online interactions.

Potential Risks and Concerns

However, digital IDs also carry the potential for restricting civil liberties, increasing surveillance, and hindering the very processes they aim to simplify. Recent concerns in India regarding privacy safeguards, and in Kenya concerning documentation requirements that excluded vulnerable populations, have made national digital ID programs controversial.

Even within Europe, there are anxieties that the EU COVID certificates could inadvertently limit the mobility of individuals from lower-income nations unable to meet the rigorous standards often associated with establishing digital identities.

Increasing Reliance on Digital Systems

Over the past decade, individuals have become increasingly dependent on – and, to some extent, constrained by – digital tools and platforms beyond their direct control. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shift to virtual interactions have amplified this trend.

To realize the full benefits of digital ID systems, they must be coupled with robust policies and a technical infrastructure that safeguards and expands individual rights and freedoms.

The Need for Inclusive Development

Greater public input is crucial to ensure these systems promote, rather than diminish, freedoms and opportunities. Too often, the needs, experiences, and rights of citizens are overlooked during the development of digital ID technologies and policies.

This oversight can lead to serious consequences, including compromised privacy, security vulnerabilities, and the exclusion or endangerment of users. Organizations relying on flawed programs risk data breaches, cyberattacks, economic repercussions, and a loss of public confidence.

The "Good ID" Framework

Recognizing these challenges, a coalition of privacy and security advocates collaborated with businesses, governments, and civil society organizations to develop a framework known as Good ID.

This approach emphasizes the design of ID programs and policies that empower individuals to engage safely and freely in the digital world. Digital IDs should prioritize privacy and security, be treated as protected assets controlled by individuals, and be legally safeguarded.

Good ID also stresses the importance of inclusion, transparency, and accountability, promoting individual control over their own identity management. For instance, a Canadian company is collaborating with Indigenous communities to create secure digital IDs that protect federally guaranteed rights.

A Global Movement for Responsible Digital ID

The Good ID initiative has spurred a global movement involving organizations like Namati, Paradigm Initiative, ITS Rio, Oxford University, MOSIP, Smart Africa, Women in Identity, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, the Mozilla Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Omidyar Network.

The #GoodID movement fosters dialogue, research, and advocacy, engaging residents, governments, technologists, and businesses.

Progress and Impact

This global advocacy has already influenced national discussions in nearly 40 countries, with at least 25 nations adopting elements of Good ID. Currently, approximately 1.2 billion people worldwide have access to improved ID systems, enabling greater and safer participation in society, the economy, and democratic processes.

However, this community’s work will continue until digital IDs universally earn public trust.

The Inevitable Evolution of Digital Identification

Over the past five years, digital ID has transitioned from a nascent innovation to a widespread technology with significant implications, attracting attention from diverse stakeholders. Despite the persistence of paper vaccination cards, this trend is irreversible.

The rapid implementation of digital ID systems presents a tangible risk of errors and unintended harm.

Reconciling Innovation with Citizen Rights

Therefore, the global effort to leverage advanced technologies for digital ID systems must prioritize sound policies, transparent processes, and accountability. While the tech industry’s ethos often centers on rapid iteration and experimentation, the #GoodID movement seeks to reconcile this approach with the needs, experiences, and rights of all citizens.