BGIN Block #9 on Digital Identity

Sydney, 21 Nov. 23

The Blockchain Governance Initiative Network (BGIN) is a multi-stakeholder discussion body / distributed think tank, which plays the same role as what ISOC/IETF/ICANN/IGF is doing for the Internet ecosystem for the blockchain ecosystem.

BGIN Block #9, the BGIN’s ninth general meeting, was held in Sydney, Australia, from November 19 to 22, with the goal of bringing voice to individuals focused on governance for digital economic networks, digital identity and more applications based on blockchain technology.

https://bgin-global.org/events/20231119-block9

I was invited to facilitate a panel discussion about digital identity. This is my sum up of the conversation, in the four questions below.

1. What are the key policy considerations surrounding digital identity on a global scale, and how can they be harmonized to facilitate cross-border interactions?

The discussion of digital identity on a global scale involves several key policy considerations. These considerations need to be harmonized to facilitate cross-border interactions, ensuring that digital identities are recognized and trusted across different jurisdictions. Harmonizing these considerations requires a collaborative approach, involving various stakeholders including governments, international organizations, industry, and civil society. A balanced approach that respects local contexts and regulations while striving for global standards and interoperability is key to the successful implementation of digital identity systems worldwide.

Here are the major aspects to take into consideration:

· Privacy and Data Protection: Protecting individuals’ privacy and personal data is crucial. Policies must ensure that digital identity systems comply with robust data protection standards, minimizing data collection and ensuring consent for data usage.

· Security: Security measures to protect against identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized access are vital. This includes strong authentication methods and secure channels for data transmission.

· Interoperability: For cross-border interactions, digital identities must be interoperable. This requires standardization of technology and protocols so that different systems can communicate and recognize each other’s digital identities.

· Inclusivity and Accessibility: Digital identity systems should be inclusive, ensuring access for all segments of the population, including those without access to technology or with limited digital literacy.

· Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: There needs to be a harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks to support mutual recognition of digital identities across borders. This includes agreements on liability, user rights, and dispute resolution.

· Ethical Considerations: Ethical issues such as the potential for surveillance, discrimination, or exclusion must be addressed. Policies should be designed to prevent misuse of digital identity systems.

· Governance and Oversight: Clear governance structures and oversight mechanisms are necessary to ensure accountability, transparency, and public trust in digital identity systems.

· Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, private sector, and civil society is essential to develop effective and sustainable digital identity ecosystems.

· Technology Neutrality: Policies should be technology-neutral, allowing for innovation and adaptation to new technologies while maintaining standards and security.

2. Can you provide an objective overview of the current state of digital identity standards, protocols, and best practices, highlighting areas where further alignment is needed?

The current state of digital identity standards, protocols, and best practices involves a dynamic and evolving landscape, with several initiatives and frameworks in place. While there are robust standards and practices in place for digital identity, the field is still marked by fragmentation and regional differences. Global collaboration and a harmonized approach are essential for creating a secure, inclusive, and universally accepted digital identity framework.

Here’s an objective overview, highlighting areas where further alignment is needed:

Standards and Protocols

· OpenID Connect & OAuth 2.0: Widely used for web-based authentication, providing a framework for users to grant limited access to their resources without sharing credentials.

· SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language): An older standard used for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, especially in enterprise environments.

· FIDO (Fast IDentity Online): This set of security specifications for strong authentication focuses on reducing the reliance on passwords with biometrics and hardware tokens.

· eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) in the EU: It provides a regulatory framework for electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the European Single Market.

· ISO Standards: Various ISO standards (like ISO/IEC 27001 for information security) provide guidelines for digital identity management.

Best Practices

· Data Minimization and Privacy-by-Design: Ensuring that only necessary data is collected and processed.

· User Consent and Control: Giving users control over their digital identity and how their data is used.

· Strong Authentication Methods: Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric verification.

· Regular Security Audits: Conducting audits to ensure compliance with security standards.

· Transparency and Accountability: Maintaining clear policies on data usage and rights.

Areas for Further Alignment

· Global Interoperability: There’s a need for more unified global standards to ensure digital identities are recognized and accepted across borders.

· Regulatory Harmonization: Different regions have varying regulations, which can complicate international transactions and cooperation.

· Inclusion and Accessibility: Ensuring that digital identity systems are accessible to all, including those without access to advanced technology.

· Balancing Security with User Experience: Finding the right balance between robust security measures and user-friendliness remains a challenge.

· Addressing Ethical Concerns: Issues like surveillance, privacy, and data misuse need global ethical guidelines and frameworks.

· Adaptability to Emerging Technologies: Standards and practices must evolve with technological advancements like blockchain and AI.

· Public Trust and Education: Building public trust and awareness about digital identity systems is crucial for broader acceptance and use.

3. Are there global case studies or examples of successful digital identity implementations that can serve as models for other regions, and what lessons can be derived from them?

There are several global case studies of successful digital identity implementations that offer valuable lessons and insights for other regions. These case studies illustrate different approaches to digital identity, each addressing unique challenges and opportunities. They offer valuable insights for other regions looking to develop or refine their digital identity systems.

Estonia’s e-Residency Program

Estonia is renowned for its digital government services, including the e-Residency program which allows non-Estonians access to Estonian services such as company formation, banking, and taxation.

The key success factors include a strong legal framework, a high level of trust in digital services among the population, and the integration of various services into a single digital identity platform.

Aadhaar in India

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued to Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data.

Aadhaar demonstrates how large-scale biometric identification systems can be implemented. It has been pivotal in improving access to government services, although it also raised concerns about privacy and data security.

BankID in Sweden

BankID is a digital identity solution in Sweden used for accessing a wide range of public and private services online.

Collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including banks and government agencies, can lead to the creation of a universally accepted digital identity system. Trust and ease of use have been key to its widespread adoption.

SingPass in Singapore

SingPass allows Singapore citizens and residents to access over hundreds of digital services provided by government agencies.

SingPass showcases the importance of continually evolving digital identity systems to include more advanced features like biometric authentication and the integration of services under one platform.

Canada’s Digital ID Framework

Canada is developing a digital ID framework that aims to enable Canadians to prove who they are online safely and securely.

The approach highlights the importance of federal and provincial governments working together with private sector partners to create a cohesive and secure digital identity ecosystem.

Common Lessons from These Case Studies

· Public-Private Partnerships: Successful digital identity systems often involve collaboration between the government and the private sector.

· Balancing Security and Privacy: The need to ensure robust security measures while respecting individual privacy.

· User-Centric Design: The system should be easy to use and accessible to all segments of the population.

· Legal and Regulatory Framework: A strong legal framework is critical to address issues like data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity.

· Continuous Evolution: Digital identity systems need to be adaptable to technological advancements and changing user needs.

4. What measures can be taken to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in global digital identity initiatives, particularly for underserved or vulnerable populations?

Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in global digital identity initiatives, particularly for underserved or vulnerable populations, is vital. These populations often face barriers such as lack of access to technology, low digital literacy, and exclusion from traditional systems of identification. In summary, inclusivity and accessibility in global digital identity initiatives require a multifaceted approach that combines technological innovation, policy reform, education, and community engagement. By addressing the unique challenges faced by underserved and vulnerable populations, these initiatives can ensure that digital identity systems are equitable and beneficial for all.

Designing for Accessibility

User-Centric Design: Develop digital identity solutions with a focus on user experience, ensuring they are easy to use for people with varying levels of digital literacy.

Multilingual Support: Offer services in multiple languages to cater to diverse linguistic groups.

Assistive Technologies: Incorporate assistive technologies for people with disabilities, such as screen readers for the visually impaired.

Ensuring Affordability

Low-Cost Solutions: Develop cost-effective solutions so that financial constraints do not hinder access to digital identity services.

Subsidized Access: Consider government or NGO-led initiatives to subsidize the cost of accessing digital identity services for the most vulnerable populations.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Widespread Internet Access: Work towards increasing internet access in underserved areas, possibly through public-private partnerships.

Community Access Points: Establish community access points where individuals can receive assistance and access digital identity services.

Legal and Policy Frameworks

Inclusive Policies: Ensure that legal and policy frameworks governing digital identity are inclusive and consider the needs of vulnerable groups.

Protection from Discrimination: Implement regulations that protect individuals from being discriminated against if they lack a digital identity.

Education and Awareness Programs

Digital Literacy Programs: Conduct education and awareness programs to improve digital literacy, helping individuals understand and use digital identity systems.

Outreach Initiatives: Engage in outreach programs to educate vulnerable groups about the benefits and usage of digital identity systems.

Collaborative Approaches

Engaging with NGOs and CSOs: Collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) that have direct contact with underserved populations.

Community Involvement: Involve community leaders and representatives in the design and implementation process to ensure the solutions meet the specific needs of the community.

Diverse Data and Identity Proofs

Multiple Forms of Identity Proof: Allow for various forms of identity proof to accommodate those who may not have traditional forms of ID.

Flexible Verification Processes: Implement flexible verification processes that can cater to people with different types of documentation.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular Impact Assessments: Conduct regular assessments to evaluate the inclusivity and accessibility of digital identity systems.

Feedback Mechanisms: Establish feedback mechanisms to continuously learn from users’ experiences and improve the systems accordingly.