We took a break on October 10th and November 29th due to IIW and IETF-related matters, so we will deliver the information together here.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: World's first government-run blockchain ID introduced
The city of Buenos Aires has launched a groundbreaking initiative for its 360 million residents: the introduction of a government-led blockchain-based digital identity called QuarkID.
The system features:
- Utilizing zero-knowledge proofs on the Era Layer 2 blockchain provided by ZKsync
- Linked to the city's official digital platform "MiBa," allowing access to various government services and documents
- A mechanism to give citizens more control over their personal information
Every MiBa user now has a decentralized digital identity (DID), allowing them to securely store and share important documents such as birth certificates and tax records. The city sees this as a major turning point in the management of personal information.
(reference)
- https://www.biometricupdate.com/202410/buenos-aires-moves-from-centralized-to-decentralized-digital-identity-with-quarkid
- https://www.thinkdigitalpartners.com/news/2024/10/25/digital-identity-global-roundup-189/
UK: Legislation to be put in place for digital identity verification services
Meanwhile in the UK, the Data (Use and Access) Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 2023 October 10. The bill includes the following key measures to provide legal support for digital identity verification services:
- Creating rules for "appropriate" digital identity verification services across all economic activities
- Creating a public register of services that meet standards
- Issue of certification marks to easily identify reliable services
- Developing a new information sharing infrastructure that can utilize data from public institutions for identity and qualification verification
The announcement also comes as a newly established government department, the Office of Digital Identity and Attribute (OfDIA).
Poland: Digital Polish ID cards rapidly gaining popularity
According to an announcement by the Polish government, the number of users of mDowód, a digital ID that replaces traditional physical identification cards, has exceeded 800 million.
This Digital ID has the following features:
- It can be used for the same purposes as a traditional ID, such as for identity verification at banks or notaries.
- Deputy Minister for Digital Affairs Dariusz Standelski confirmed that the ID card will have the same legal effect as a traditional ID card.
- Assign a unique identification number
However, traditional paper or plastic ID is required in the following cases:
- When applying for a new ID
- Identity verification when crossing borders
mDowód comes with the following security features:
- Polish flag animation
- Real-time clock display
- Can be used without an internet connection
- Information authentication via QR code in mObywatel (official mobile app)
In this way, Poland is steadily improving the convenience of government services through digitalization. Poland's efforts to achieve both security and ease of use are likely to become an important example for the future spread of digital IDs.
(reference)https://www.thinkdigitalpartners.com/news/2024/11/04/digital-identity-global-roundup-190/
US: Decentralized ID platform pioneer Sovrin to shut down by March 2025
The Sovrin Foundation, a pioneer of decentralized digital identity (SSI), has announced its plans to shut down its platform on or before March 2025, 3.
Sovrin
- Since its launch in 2017, it has led the way in setting standards for decentralized identity.
- Established the concept of Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and verifiable credentials adopted by the W3C
- Realizing individual-centered ID management that is not dependent on governments or companies
- Trusted organizations around the world participate in the operation as "stewards"
Although it has made a great contribution to the world of decentralized ID, it seems that it could not resist the passage of time and the reality of the market. The main reasons for its closure are:
- Declining mainnet usage
- Regulatory uncertainty regarding decentralized ID
- Depletion of resources due to technological challenges
- Declining participation in the admin community
Such things as
After seven years of contributing to the development of decentralized identity, the closure of Sovrin marks a turning point for the field.
(reference)https://idtechwire.com/the-community-moved-on-sovrin-announces-mainnets-likely-shutdown/
Italy: Digital ID wallet rollout begins - Trial operation begins with full-scale implementation scheduled for 2025
The Italian government has launched a pilot program for the country's first digital ID system. Digital versions of driver's licenses, health insurance cards, and European disability cards will be available to an initial group of 10 citizens on October 23rd through the official app "Io" provided by the Ministry of the Interior. The rollout schedule is as follows:
- October 10rd - 23 people
- November 11th – 6 people
- November 11th – 30 people
- December 12th – All IO app users
Although these digital certificates cannot currently be used in online or self-service systems, they can be used in everyday life to verify identity, just like traditional physical ID cards.
This initiative is positioned as an important step towards the full-scale introduction of "IT wallets" scheduled for 2025. Through this measure, Italy plans to build a system that complies with the EU's digital ID standard (eIDAS Regulation) and promote the digitalization of government services.
The rollout of the pilot program will proceed as follows:
Based on the results of the pilot program, Italy plans to gradually expand its digital ID functions, aiming to provide more convenient and secure government services.
https://www.thinkdigitalpartners.com/news/2024/11/04/digital-identity-global-roundup-190