Digital ID: A Secure Way For Online Authentication

The use of online platforms and services has become increasingly integral to our lives in today's increasingly digital world. We shop, bank, and socialize online. As a result, secure and reliable digital authentication has become more critical than ever. One solution to this problem is the implementation of a digital ID, which can provide a secure and convenient way for individuals to authenticate themselves online. Fernando Corbató, an MIT researcher and later professor, was one of the pioneers of secure digital authentication. In 1961, he implemented a password program that was later cracked.

Digital IDs are digital representations of an individual's identity that can be used to verify their identity when accessing digital services. It typically contains personal information such as name, address, and date of birth, as well as unique identifiers such as a digital signature or biometric data. Digital IDs are issued by trusted authorities such as governments or financial institutions. They can authenticate a user's identity for a wide range of digital services.

One of the main advantages of a digital ID is that it provides a high level of security when accessing digital services. By using strong encryption and authentication protocols, digital IDs can protect against identity theft, fraud, and other types of cybercrime. This is particularly important for e-commerce and online payments, where the risk of fraud and data breaches is high.

For example, when making an online purchase, a user can use their digital ID to authenticate themselves to the e-commerce platform, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access their account and make purchases. This can help prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions, providing a secure and convenient way for individuals to shop online.

Similarly, when making online payments, a digital ID can be used to authenticate the identity of the user and ensure that the payment is being made by an authorized individual. This can help prevent payment fraud and ensure transactions are processed securely and efficiently.

In addition to providing security, digital IDs can also streamline the authentication process for digital services. Instead of having to remember multiple usernames and passwords for different online platforms, individuals can use their digital ID to authenticate themselves across a range of services. This can save time and reduce the burden of managing multiple login credentials.

A digital ID can also be a convenient way for individuals to access government services and other online resources. The digital ID can, for example, be used to authenticate individuals' identities when accessing healthcare records or applying for government benefits. This can help ensure that sensitive information is protected and that only authorized individuals can access these services.

However, the implementation of digital IDs is not without controversy. One example of a digital ID implementation is the Huduma Namba program in Kenya, which aimed to create a unique national identity number for all citizens and residents of the country. The program involved the collection of biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, as well as personal information such as name, age, and address.

While the program was designed to provide a more efficient and secure way of accessing government services, it was dogged with controversy due to concerns around privacy and data protection. Critics argued that the program was collecting too much personal data and that there were inadequate safeguards in place to protect this data from misuse or abuse. Some were concerned that the collection of biometric data could lead to discrimination and exclusion, particularly for those who did not have access to the necessary technology or who may have faced challenges in providing the required information.

As a result of these concerns, the implementation of the program was delayed, and it faced legal challenges in court. While there is a new conversation about the creating a digital ID in the country, there is still ongoing debate and discussion around the implications of a digital ID system for privacy and data protection. Currently, 19 digital identity schemes are interoperable in Europe in 15 countries.

The controversy surrounding the Huduma Namba program highlights the importance of implementing digital ID systems in a way that prioritizes data privacy and security. It also underscores the need for transparent and open communication with the public to ensure that individuals understand the implications of such programs and are able to provide informed consent. The government had registered 36 million Kenyans in the database as of May 2019.

Controversies notwithstanding, the case for a digital ID is clear. In today's digital world, where online platforms and services are increasingly important, the need for secure and reliable digital authentication is more important than ever.

A digital ID can provide a secure and convenient way for individuals to authenticate themselves online, particularly for e-commerce and online payments. However, it is important that digital ID issuers prioritize data privacy and security to ensure that individuals' personal information is protected and secure. Ensuring secure digital authentication is like locking the door of a bank vault. Even if the walls are strong and the vault is robust, the lock is essential to protecting the assets inside. Similarly, while digital authentication is important, security measures are needed to ensure that data privacy and security are prioritized.