Digital IDs Just Went Live — Say Goodbye To Your Privacy & Money

The assertion that digital IDs automatically lead to a loss of privacy and money is a contentious claim, often raised by critics who cite valid security and civil liberty concerns. While digital identity systems carry risks that require careful design and oversight, they also offer significant benefits for both individuals and institutions, such as increased security and efficiency. The reality is more nuanced, depending heavily on the implementation, with both benefits and risks to consider.

The privacy and financial risks

Concerns about digital IDs typically center on the following issues:

Mass surveillance: Digital ID systems can centralize vast amounts of personal and biometric data, which can be linked to your location, purchasing history, and online activity. Critics worry this could enable unprecedented surveillance and tracking by both governments and private corporations.
Data breaches: Centralized databases containing millions of digital IDs are “honey pots” for hackers. A single breach could expose highly sensitive personal data on a massive scale, leading to identity theft and financial fraud. For instance, India’s Aadhaar system, the world’s largest digital ID program, has experienced major breaches.
Exclusion and marginalization: If digital IDs become mandatory for accessing essential services like banking and healthcare, marginalized communities that lack the necessary technology or documentation could be excluded. Critics also point out that biases in algorithms could lead to discriminatory outcomes.
Programmable money: Some fear that digital IDs could be linked to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), a form of government-issued digital currency. This could theoretically allow governments to monitor and control transactions, potentially blocking certain purchases or limiting financial access.
Erosion of civil liberties: Opponents warn that a digital ID could become a tool for government control. They point to instances like the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” protests in Canada, where financial access was cut off for protesters and donors without a trial or conviction.

The potential benefits and opportunities

Despite the risks, proponents emphasize the significant advantages of well-designed digital ID systems:

Enhanced security: Digital IDs can be more secure than physical credentials, which can be easily forged or lost. Biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and encryption can protect against identity theft and fraud.
Greater convenience: Digital IDs make accessing online and offline services much faster and more efficient. They allow users to quickly prove their identity and access things like banking and airport security from their mobile devices.
Economic inclusion: In many developing nations, digital IDs can provide a formal identity to those who lack one, unlocking access to financial services and other economic opportunities.
User control: Some digital ID models, like “self-sovereign identity” and certain EU systems, are designed to give users more control over their personal data. They allow individuals to decide exactly what information is shared and for how long.
Reduced fraud: By enabling more robust and reliable identity verification, digital IDs can help businesses and governments reduce fraud and streamline operations.

The outlook on adoption and regulation

The global rollout of digital IDs is underway in many countries, including the European Union and the United States, but adoption is not uniform.
The use of digital IDs at TSA checkpoints in the U.S. is currently voluntary, and users can opt for standard ID verification instead.
The creation of effective regulatory and legal frameworks is critical to balance security and convenience with the necessary protections for privacy and civil liberties. This includes rules on data collection, storage, and sharing, along with mechanisms for independent oversight.

Where Can I Get A Digital ID? Is It A Government ID?

You can get a digital ID through specific apps on your phone, and it can be either a government-issued one, like a mobile driver’s license, or a private one, such as the Yoti app. For a government digital ID, you’ll typically need to link it to your existing physical government ID by uploading it and using your phone’s camera for verification.

How to get a digital ID

Government Digital ID:
- Mobile Driver’s License (mDL): Many U.S. states offer this option, which requires you to download an app from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or a third-party provider like IDEMIA North America to digitize your driver’s license.
- National Digital ID: Some countries have a national digital ID app. For example, the Philippines has its Digital National ID that can be downloaded through its national ID system website or the eGovPH app.
Private Digital ID:
- Apps like Yoti or Digital iD: These apps allow you to create a digital ID by uploading a physical government ID (like a passport or driver’s license) and taking a selfie.
- Bank apps: Some banking apps, like Lloyds Bank Smart ID, offer digital ID services for their customers.

Is it a government ID?

Yes, a government ID can be digitized: A government-issued digital ID, such as a mobile driver’s license or national digital ID, serves as an official digital version of your physical ID.
No, not all digital IDs are government-issued: Private digital ID apps are not official government documents but use government IDs as a source to verify your identity when you set up the app.

Ohio offers a digital ID that can be added to your iPhone or Apple Watch via Apple Wallet, allowing you to present it at select businesses, TSA checkpoints, and other participating locations. While it provides a convenient and secure digital alternative, a physical ID is still necessary in many situations, such as for law enforcement interactions, and is often required alongside the digital version. To add your ID, open the Wallet app, tap the plus button, select “Driver’s License or ID,” and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your physical ID and take a selfie for verification.

What to know about the Ohio digital ID

Availability: The digital ID is available for Ohio-issued driver’s licenses and state IDs.
Device compatibility: Currently, the digital ID is only supported on Apple devices (iPhone and Apple Watch).
How to add:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the plus button in the top right corner.
- Select “Driver’s License or ID”.
- Follow the instructions to scan your physical ID and take a selfie for verification.
Where it’s accepted:
- Select businesses.
- TSA checkpoints at participating airports, such as John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Airport.
- Specific apps.
Limitations: A physical ID may still be required in many situations. It cannot be used for voting or during traffic stops.
Security: The digital ID uses security features like Face ID or Touch ID to authorize the release of your information.

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