Bhutan Joins Global Acceptance Network as First National Digital ID Program

Bhutan has become the first country to enlist in the Global Acceptance Network (GAN) with its National Digital Identity (NDI) program. This pioneering initiative allows Bhutanese citizens to manage their identity securely and enables international recognition of their digital credentials, demonstrating Bhutan’s leadership in the digital identity space.

The Kingdom of Bhutan has made history by being the first nation to introduce a national digital identity program that is now a member of the Global Acceptance Network (GAN), a cross-sector initiative aimed at providing verifiable and interoperable data. This membership was officially announced during the Bhutan Innovation Forum, reinforcing Bhutan’s commitment to digital sovereignty and data management. Launched in 2023, Bhutan’s National Digital Identity (NDI) system utilizes a self-sovereign identity model, allowing citizens control over their personal information and facilitating secure transactions on a global scale. The GAN, which was soft-launched on September 17, 2023, is composed of over 30 founding member organizations that share a mutual goal of establishing a trust-based digital identity ecosystem. By becoming an ecosystem member of the GAN, Bhutan will be able to integrate its NDI with various digital identity systems across the globe, enabling Bhutanese citizens to utilize their digital credentials internationally without barriers. In a statement regarding this significant development, Jigme Tenzing, Secretary of Bhutan’s government technology agency, remarked, “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. Our vision is to empower every Bhutanese citizen with control over their own data, while enabling seamless, verifiable exchanges with the rest of the world. GAN provides the interoperable trust network we need to build this truly interconnected and trusted digital future.” The GAN Foundation includes prominent platinum members such as Accenture, NTT Digital, and Gen, alongside ecosystem members like Trinsic and Yoti, and other participants including Interac, cheqd, Danube Tech, and GLEIF. Furthermore, notable GAN ambassadors include Yodahe Zemichael, the Executive Director of Ethiopia’s National ID program, among other representatives from both public and private sectors.

The concept of digital identity has gained substantial traction globally in recent years, highlighting the need for secure, verifiable means of identification in increasingly digital societies. Bhutan is pioneering in this arena by introducing its National Digital Identity (NDI) system, which prioritizes user control over personal data and aims to foster interoperability with global identity frameworks. The formation of the Global Acceptance Network (GAN) serves to facilitate these efforts by connecting multiple stakeholders across sectors, enhancing the capabilities of national digital identity programs.

In conclusion, Bhutan’s entry into the Global Acceptance Network signifies an important advancement in the realm of digital identity. It underscores Bhutan’s commitment to empowering its citizens through technology while ensuring that their digital credentials are recognized and trusted on a global stage. As Bhutan integrates its National Digital Identity system with other international frameworks, it sets a precedent for other nations looking to enhance their digital identity infrastructure and promote secure data exchange.

Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com