The ability to prove who you are is fundamental to accessing services, participating in the economy, and safeguarding your identity in the this world where technology forms the backbone of complex economies.
For Papua New Guinea, a nation striving for digital inclusion and economic growth, a robust Digital ID system is not just an ambition – it’s an urgent necessity.
For too long, the physical act of proving identity in PNG has been fraught with challenges.
Lengthy bank queues, lengthy license renewals, the risk of lost or damaged paper documents, and the geographical isolation of many communities make traditional identification methods a significant hurdle. This friction doesn’t just frustrate citizens; it actively impedes progress.
The Foundational Challenge
PNG has the National Identification (NID) card, designed primarily for social mapping and to legally define individuals. It’s what’s called a foundational ID where all vital information are collected.
While crucial, the NID system faces its own set of logistical hurdles in widespread, efficient rollout and updates. This is where a Digital ID steps in, not to replace the NID, but to complement it as a functional ID.
DICT Secretary Steven Matainaho explains the distinction simply.
“The NID is your foundation; it legally defines who you are. A digital ID is a functional ID, a specific ID to enroll to access digital services.”
Just as a driver’s license serves the specific function of permitting you to drive, a Digital ID is your secure passport to the digital realm. And this is part of a countrywide digital rollout that is happening on the back of recently developed policies and legislations by the DICT.
“If we were to say… ‘A Digital ID is replicating NID,’ that’s just like saying a driver’s license is replicating NID. They both serve two different purposes,” Matainaho says.
Unlocking Services and Economic Potential
The immediate and most tangible benefit of a Digital ID is its ability to streamline access to government services.
Imagine a single, secure digital credential that allows you to apply for a police clearance, pay school fees, access health records, or register a business online – without ever setting foot in a government office. This dramatically reduces the “painful and tedious task” of accessing services, saving citizens invaluable time and money, particularly for those in remote areas who face significant travel costs.
Beyond government services, a Digital ID is the linchpin for a thriving digital economy. E-commerce, online banking, and digital payment systems like PayPal depend on trusted identity verification. Without a secure way to confirm who is buying or selling online, the risk of fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities escalates dramatically. This lack of trust has directly impacted PNG’s ability to fully participate in the global digital marketplace.
“A third of that graylisting is a result of not having a digital ID system to monitor AML and CTF… a good chunk of the Act requires a digital ID system to operate in so they’re all interrelated,” Matainaho explains.
Combating Financial Crime and Building Trust
The urgency for a Digital ID in PNG is underscored by its implications for national financial integrity.
PNG has faced scrutiny over its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks. The absence of a national Digital ID system has been cited as a significant factor in these concerns, with a substantial portion of the AML/CTF Act requiring a digital ID system to operate effectively.
“All of these monetization, and all the entities around that, the dependency is all coming back to digital ID,” Matainaho notes. “We have to prioritize that to actually build some trust.”
A secure Digital ID system provides a verifiable audit trail for digital transactions, drastically reducing the anonymity that criminals exploit. It’s a critical tool for the Bank of Papua New Guinea and other financial institutions to meet international compliance standards, ultimately enhancing the nation’s reputation and attracting foreign investment.
A Secure Digital Future
The development of PNG’s Digital ID is intrinsically linked to robust cybersecurity infrastructure and data governance policies. Citizens need assurance that their digital identity is secure and their personal data protected. The ongoing investment in the National Cyber Security Centre and clear data protection frameworks are crucial components of this trust-building exercise.
While the journey is complex, the path to a digitally empowered PNG runs directly through a universally accessible and secure Digital ID. It’s the key that unlocks efficient services, fosters economic growth, strengthens national security, and ultimately, empowers every Papua New Guinean to fully participate in the 21st century. The vision of a “state in a phone” hinges on this critical piece of the digital puzzle.