The One Digital ID, an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will link most government digital IDs together. The IDs include your driver’s license, Aadhar card, PAN card, Passport, and more.
The central ID, which will be termed as “Federated Digital Identities,” is stipulated to have a unique identity number. Through the unique identity number, you will be able to access all your government details in the same place, thus creating a one-stop shop for all government identities.
What are the uses of One Digital ID?
Since all of your information will be stored in the same place, it will be easier to go through government processes. For example, you need your passport in order to apply for an Aadhar card. However, with this new system, you will not have to verify your passport individually.
In addition to the example stated above, the unique ID will also have State and Centre-related data. State related data includes information such as your education history and your place of residence. Central data, on the other hand, refers to your government details.
Initial reaction to the new initiative
The One Digital ID initiative has been heralded by several agencies, as it will create a government system which is “Interconnected and interoperable.” Several processes will become simpler, such as KYC. However, as with all government initiatives, there have been some concerns about the process as well.
Several agencies are concerned about the validity of an “umbrella organisation” which will hold all details about a person. There are concerns about surveillance, as in the event of a security breach, all the details of a person will be visible, prompting legitimate concerns about the security of the IDs.
The One Digital ID is still under works, and new details of the same will be announced soon. The government will divulge more details about the processes and inner workings of the new initiative on February 27.