Friday 30 January, 2026
Around the world, many governments have introduced digital ID systems to make it easier, faster, and safer for people to access services. Countries such as Estonia, India, Sweden, Singapore, and Rwanda show how digital identity can strengthen service delivery, reduce fraud, and increase inclusion, especially for people in remote or underserved communities.
These international examples offer valuable lessons for any country building its own digital ID ecosystem. Similar to what the Government of Papua New Guinea through the Department of Information and Communications Technology is doing with its digital ID system – SevisPass.
Estonia – A Global Pioneer in Digital Government
Estonia is known as the world’s most advanced digital society. Its electronic ID (eID), introduced in 2002, is now used by almost every citizen.
How digital ID improved services
- Over 99% of public services are available online, allowing citizens to interact with the government anytime.
- People can file taxes in just 3–5 minutes, using their digital ID to log in securely.
- eID enables secure access to healthcare records, bank accounts, and even online voting, which has helped increase participation.
Use-case example:
A parent can renew their child’s school enrollment or apply for family benefits online without visiting any office, saving time and travel costs.
India – The World’s Largest Digital ID Program
India’s Aadhaar system covers more than 1.3 billion people, using fingerprints and iris scanning to create a unique digital identity for each person.
How digital ID improved services
- Aadhaar made it easier for people—especially those in rural areas—to open bank accounts, receive welfare benefits, and access telecom services.
- Government subsidies for gas, food, and pensions are now delivered directly into verified bank accounts, reducing fraud and “ghost beneficiaries.”
Use-case example:
A farmer in a remote village can receive government subsidies directly into their Aadhaar‑linked bank account, without needing middlemen or excessive paperwork.
Sweden and the Nordic Region – BankID for Everyday Life
In Sweden, more than 90% of adults use BankID, a digital identity developed in partnership with the banking sector.
How digital ID improved services
- Citizens use BankID to log in to government portals, sign documents, pay bills, and manage banking transactions.
- Digital signatures are legally valid, reducing paperwork across both public and private sectors.
Use-case example:
A person applying for unemployment benefits can log in with BankID, upload documents, and receive approvals—all online—cutting waiting times significantly.
Singapore – Seamless Integration With SingPass
Singapore’s SingPass system provides secure single sign‑on access to more than 340 government services as well as private companies like banks and insurance providers.
How digital ID improved services
- Citizens can access healthcare records, file taxes, renew passports, and complete bank transactions using the same digital identity.
- Strong mobile integration makes it extremely easy for people to interact with services on the go.
Use-case example:
Someone renewing a passport can do it entirely on their phone through the SingPass app, including payment and photo upload.
Rwanda – Expanding Digital Inclusion
Rwanda has built a biometric digital ID linked to government and financial services, helping expand access across rural communities.
How digital ID improved services
- Citizens can more easily access banking, register SIM cards, and apply for government documents.
- Digital ID supports financial inclusion by helping people—especially women and rural populations—access savings accounts and mobile money services.
Use-case example:
A resident in a rural district can register for health insurance or obtain land documents using their digital ID at a local service center, reducing long travel to government offices.
Australia (NSW) – Building a Secure and Convenient Digital ID
New South Wales is one of the leading Australian jurisdictions advancing digital identity. The NSW Digital ID is designed to give residents a secure, private, and convenient way to prove who they are—online and in person. It is delivered through the Service NSW app, allowing people to verify their identity without carrying physical documents such as a driver license or birth certificate.
How digital ID improved services
- NSW Digital ID allows people to verify their identity anytime, anywhere without paperwork, queues, or repeated checks.
- The government has invested over $21 million to expand digital ID capabilities, including photo verification and liveness checks for secure transactions.
- NSW launched its first digital identity service in 2023, enabling teachers and childcare workers to renew background checks online—saving time and reducing in‑person processing.
- Pilots of upgraded digital photo cards and verifiable credentials (such as digital first aid certificates) further strengthen privacy, allowing users to share only the information needed.
Use-case example
A worker renewing their Working With Children Check (WWCC) can complete the process online using NSW Digital ID, avoiding the usual in‑person checks and saving more than an hour per renewal. Over 21,000 NSW residents have already used this digital method.
Key Lessons from Global Success Stories
Across these countries, digital ID systems have consistently delivered four major benefits:
- Security: Strong identity verification reduces fraud and protects personal data.
- Efficiency: Services become faster, simpler, and more accessible.
- Inclusion: People without traditional IDs or living far from service centers gain access to essential services.
- Trust: Citizens trust systems that provide convenience, transparency, and consistent results.
Estonia and Singapore show the power of service integration, while India and Rwanda demonstrate how digital ID can drive large‑scale inclusion and expand access for millions.