By gradually moving away from using different identity systems for different purposes and by using standard requirements and technologies that allow those existing systems to connect to each other, developing nations can start reaping the benefits of universal ID, said a new report from the World Bank and the US-based management consultancy Accenture. Some 1.8 billion adults in developing countries still lack an official ID and thus access to essential services, according to the report; Identification for Development – Integration Approach (ID4D). The study is being released at the annual e-ID conference, in Washington DC.
Randeep Sudan, World Bank Practice Manager for Information and Communication Technologies, Transport and ICT Global Practice at World Bank said: “Hundreds of millions of people worldwide lack any proof of identity, barring them from receiving vital services such as healthcare, social benefits, financial services and access to voting. Unfortunately, developing countries frequently invest in identity systems that are disconnected and lack interoperability.”
“These challenges can however be overcome through increased collaboration, co-operation between countries and the use of new technologies that can help governments establish unique identities for their residents and manage national identity programs. Identity management programs should focus on poor and disadvantaged people who will benefit most from having their identities verified, and the services they need delivered regularly and speedily.”
