The Maldives government plans to introduce a national digital identity system to enhance data control for citizens following a party membership scandal involving unauthorized data use. Security Minister Ali Ihsan stated that this eFaas digital ID will provide notifications when personal information is accessed and require consent. The system will also aid in reforming political party registrations and is intended to strengthen data privacy efforts.
The Maldives government has announced a national digital identity system aimed at enhancing control over citizens’ personal data. Following a scandal concerning unauthorized data use for political party registrations, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan assured that citizens will be informed whenever their data is accessed by any authority. The new eFaas digital ID will require consent for data access, allowing individuals to track who accessed their information and for what purpose.
This announcement comes after the Elections Commission uncovered fraudulent practices by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) party, which allegedly added individuals to its membership list without their consent using ID card information. Currently, party membership registrations are paper-based, but the scandal has highlighted the need for a more secure digital process, with ongoing investigations by the police into the allegations.
The digital ID system will enable the Elections Commission to implement a new procedure requiring identity verification for political party registrations. The system, which has been in operation since 2012, includes a digital ID app launched in 2023. It provides access to critical documents, and facial recognition technology for the ID is supplied by Regula.
The introduction of the national digital identity system in the Maldives is a significant step toward enhancing data privacy and security for citizens. Following the recent scandal involving unauthorized use of personal data, the government’s commitment to requiring consent for data access will ensure that individuals have better control over their information. As the digital ID system is developed, it promises to reform political party registration processes, requiring identity verification to mitigate fraud, ultimately benefiting both citizens and the electoral system.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
