Maldives Government Enhances Data Control Through Digital ID Amid Scandal
The Maldivian government is implementing a digital ID system, eFaas, enhancing data privacy after addressing a scandal where personal data was used without consent for party registrations. Citizens will receive notifications when their data is accessed, requiring their consent beforehand. This initiative will minimize unauthorized data use and ensure accountability in political party enrollments.
The Maldivian government has pledged to enhance data privacy through a national digital identity system, following a scandal regarding the unauthorized use of citizens’ personal information. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan announced that the eFaas digital ID would enable individuals to receive notifications whenever their data is accessed by any government agency or private entity.
The eFaas system will require consent prior to any data access, allowing citizens to monitor who has accessed their personal details and the rationale behind it. This commitment to transparency comes in light of the Elections Commission discovering that the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) party was fraudulently registering members using personal data without consent.
Currently, party membership is registered through a traditional paper process. Recent images circulated on social media revealed individuals completing membership forms at the Department of National Registration, prompting allegations that their ID information was misappropriated. In response, police are actively investigating these accusations, while opposition parties have lodged formal complaints against the ruling party.
The digital ID initiative aims to implement a verification system for political party registrations, ensuring that no individuals can be enrolled without their knowledge. The eFaas system, operational since 2012, was further developed with the introduction of a digital ID app in 2023, facilitating access to various important documents, including ID cards and marriage certificates. Facial recognition technology for this system is supplied by Regula.
During a visit to Estonia, President Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the importance of digitalization in public services and expressed intentions to foster collaboration between the two nations regarding innovation in both the public and private sectors.
The Maldivian government’s introduction of the eFaas digital identity system signifies a crucial step toward improving data protection and privacy in the wake of recent scandals. The new system promises to give citizens greater control over their personal information by ensuring that any access to their data requires prior consent. This initiative aims to uphold transparency in political processes and strengthen the integrity of personal data management in the Maldives.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
