Bhutan has become the first nation to join the Global Acceptance Network, launching its National Digital Identity program, which focuses on self-sovereign identity. This initiative aims to provide Bhutanese citizens with nationally recognized digital credentials that are globally accepted. The development was announced at the Bhutan Innovation Forum, accentuating the nation’s commitment to integrating its national identity with other international systems to foster secure and verifiable data exchange.
The Kingdom of Bhutan has distinguished itself as the pioneer of a national digital identity initiative by becoming the first to join the Global Acceptance Network (GAN). This network aims to standardize and enhance the availability of verifiable data across various sectors, ensuring that information is trusted and interoperable. The GAN was introduced on September 17, 2023, with over 30 founding organizations participating in its soft launch. In line with this, Bhutan has implemented its National Digital Identity (NDI), which is grounded in self-sovereign identity (SSI) principles, and has been navigating the complexities of a decentralized identity system since its establishment this year. Bhutan formally announced its GAN membership during the Bhutan Innovation Forum, signaling a strategic movement towards integrating its NDI with global digital identity frameworks, thereby allowing Bhutanese citizens to utilize their digital credentials internationally. “By joining the Global Acceptance Network, Bhutan is taking the next step towards ensuring our digital credentials are not only secure within our borders but trusted globally,” stated Jigme Tenzing, the secretary of Bhutan’s government technology agency. He further emphasized the nation’s commitment to empower its citizens to manage their own data while facilitating seamless, verifiable exchanges worldwide. The GAN offers the interoperable trust infrastructure necessary for Bhutan to realize its vision of an interconnected and credible digital future. Prominent organizations such as Accenture, NTT Digital, and Gen are platinum members of the GAN Foundation, with other notable ecosystem members including Trinsic and Yoti. Additionally, participants from both the public and private sectors, such as the Ethiopian National ID’s Executive Director Yodahe Zemichael, act as ambassadors for the GAN.
The Global Acceptance Network (GAN) is a significant initiative geared towards establishing a cohesive trust framework for digital identities globally. It seeks to foster interoperability, enabling various digital identity platforms to work together seamlessly. The GAN was soft-launched earlier in September 2023 and already encompasses members from diverse organizational sectors, highlighting its commitment to secure and reliable digital identity management. Bhutan, recognized for its emphasis on innovative governance and sustainable development, has taken a leap by launching the National Digital Identity (NDI) system, which utilizes self-sovereign identity technology. This initiative exemplifies Bhutan’s approach to modernizing identity verification while maintaining the integrity and autonomy of its citizens’ personal information. The membership in GAN represents a broader vision of empowering individuals with globally accepted digital identities while ensuring data security.
In conclusion, Bhutan’s accession to the Global Acceptance Network marks a significant milestone in its quest to establish a globally recognized digital identity system. The implementation of the National Digital Identity leverages innovative SSI principles, enabling Bhutanese citizens to control their personal data while facilitating international engagement. As Bhutan embarks on this journey, it aims to enhance the security and trust surrounding its digital credentials, positioning itself as a leader in the emerging field of digital identity governance.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
