Digital Identity : Towards Shared Principles for Public and Private Sector Cooperation
The ability to prove one's identity is increasingly recognized as the basis for participation in social, political economic and cultural life. Yet at least a billion people in developing countries lack any form of officially recognized ID. Thi...
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Language: | English en_US |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2016
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2016/07/26592451/digital-identity-towards-shared-principles-public-private-sector-cooperation http://hdl.handle.net/10986/24920 |
| Summary: | The ability to prove one's identity
is increasingly recognized as the basis for participation in
social, political economic and cultural life. Yet at least a
billion people in developing countries lack any form of
officially recognized ID. This problem disproportionally
impacts rural residents, poor people, women, children and
other vulnerable groups in Africa and Asia. Digital
identity, combined with the extensive use of mobile devices
in the developing world, offers a transformative solution to
this global challenge and provides public and private sector
entities with efficient ways to reach the poorest and most
disadvantage. This discussion paper, divided into three
parts, explores the connection between digital identity and
sustainable development. Part I illustrates how the use of
digital identity promotes efficiency gains, financial
savings, social inclusion and access to basic services and
rights, with examples from countries that have adopted
digital identity systems. The paper then outlines some of
the key risks and challenges that must be overcome,
specifically in the areas of political commitment, data
protection and privacy, cost, and sustainable business
models. Part II of the paper lays out the digital identity
lifecycle and the roles of public and private sector
players, and suggests some key considerations in the design
of business models. Finally, Part III of the paper suggests
some common principles – including universal coverage,
appropriate and effective design, and privacy and data
protection – and enablers for maximizing the potential of
digital identity to contribute to sustainable development. |
|---|