It wouldn’t be too long before we see IDs on mobile devices as citizen privacy and protection of law enforcement continue to gain significance across the globe. But according to HID, the move to digitize identity verification systems should take place keeping certain guiding factors in priority.
It wouldn’t be too long before we see IDs on mobile devices, as citizen privacy and protection of law enforcement continue to gain significance across the globe. But according to HID, the move to digitize identity verification systems should take place keeping certain guiding factors in priority.
In a recent blog post, Joseph Pearson, VP for Government ID Solutions North America at HID Global, listed six principles that must be adhered to as we make the transition from physical IDs to mobile IDs.
- It should be voluntary
Citizens must have the right to decide if they wish to take their IDs on their mobile devices.
“Participation is voluntary; the citizen controls his/her device and the information shared,” Pearson said.
- It should be interoperable
One of the characteristics of mobile phones in the market at present is the different kinds of handsets and operating systems out there. It is not unusual for certain applications to be exclusively meant to be operated in a particular OS.
This should not be the case with mobile IDs. It should work with major smartphone handset manufacturers and operating systems. It should also be viable across jurisdictions, states, provinces and continents.
- It should be secure
Perhaps this is one of the most important points to consider. The use of mobile IDs will never become popular if complete security of data is not assured. Pearson suggests that it should come with a strong standards-based cryptography platform.
“Citizens’ data can only be viewed by the smartphone of the officer, agent or authority that is authenticating it,” Pearson said.
- Ensure privacy
On a note similar to the previous one, Pearson pointed out that no one other than the owner should be able to access his personal data or track their identity. However, an authorized personnel should be able to verify the data without the citizen having to hand over the smartphone.
- Remote capabilities
One of the major hurdles to penetration of mobile devices is the availability of telecommunications networks. Certain remote areas still have the issue of lacking adequate network coverage.
“Citizens’ mobile IDs must be securely available, even in remote areas without internet or telecommunications networks,” Pearson said. “This includes the provisioning, updating or revoking of credentials.”
- It should be readily available
One segment of mobile technology that has lagged behind the rest in development is battery. Today, it is common to see mobile phones with the most advanced features but with batteries that wouldn’t last even a day on full charge. If the concept of mobile IDs are to be successful, the facility should be accessible even if the battery is dead.
“When a citizen’s smartphone is inoperable (i.e. dead battery) it is still possible to securely access the ID,” Pearson said.