Maldives Government Introduces eFaas Digital ID to Enhance Data Control

The Maldives government has proposed a national digital identity system called eFaas, allowing citizens to monitor access to their data following a scandal involving fraudulent political party registrations. The system emphasizes consent and transparency, aiming to enhance data protection and increase public trust in governmental processes.

The government of the Maldives has announced plans to implement a national digital identity system that will empower citizens with greater control over their personal data. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan confirmed that citizens would receive notifications whenever their data is accessed by any government agency or private organization, following a scandal where personal data was improperly used for political party registrations.

The newly proposed digital identity, known as eFaas, will require consent from individuals before their data can be shared, allowing them to track who has accessed their information and the reasons for such access. This initiative comes in the wake of the Elections Commission uncovering fraudulent practices by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) party, which allegedly added members without consent using personal identification from the Department of National Registration.

Current party enrollment processes rely on paper-based registrations, leading to public outcry after images surfaced on social media depicting individuals filling out PNC membership forms at government offices. Needing to clarify the situation, police investigations are underway, and opposition parties have filed complaints against the ruling party. Minister Ihsan has refuted allegations of involvement in these activities.

The digital ID system will also facilitate the Elections Commission’s introduction of an identity verification process for political party registrations. Reports indicate that the agency is nearing completion of this system, contributing to efforts to modernize membership procedures.

Having operated since 2012, the eFaas system will enhance access to important documentation, including ID cards and driver’s licenses, and was expanded with a digital ID app launched in 2023. This technological advancement includes facial recognition features provided by Regula. Furthermore, President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent engagement with Estonia underscores a commitment to advancing digitalization in public services, fostering collaboration between the two nations.

In conclusion, the Maldives government is taking significant steps to enhance data privacy and protect citizens’ personal information through the introduction of the eFaas digital identity system. Minister Ali Ihsan has emphasized the importance of consent and transparency in data access, especially in light of recent misconduct involving unauthorized use of personal data by the ruling PNC party. This initiative aims to strengthen trust in governmental processes and improve the integrity of political party registrations.

Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com