A whole book could be written about the history of the introduction of electronic passports. Digital IDs of citizens to replace paper ones have been planned for a long time. Since the mid-1990s, the media has been constantly making industry email list statements from ministries about the imminent transition to electronic identifiers and we go digital even about the complete cessation of issuing passports of the traditional format. For example, exactly a year ago – in July 2019, we were already shown a ready-made electronic passport, which was supposed to completely replace paper passports in 2 years.
A little about the electronic documents initiative
In general, electronic personal identifiers are a highly controversial topic. And it is not only about total control and analogies with the TV series “Black Mirror”. The initiative has both minuses and pluses.
Problems:
- Security: leaks, hacker attacks, use of data for illegal activities
- Possibility of losing/damaging the entire we go digital package of documents at once
- The need for additional training and provision of technical equipment for reading electronic media to law enforcement agencies and budgetary organizations
- Possible failures and errors in the operation of reading equipment,
- Conservative organizations and citizens who oppose globalization and total control
Advantages:
- Consolidation of all the main documents for an individual on one medium
- Simplifying access to we go digital public and health services
- The ability to quickly “block” a document in case of theft or loss
- Improving the convenience of using services – purchasing airline and train tickets, banking and postal services
- Reducing bureaucratic red tape
- Speeding up verification for mass registrations
The Spectrum team has been processing personal data since 2012, and the topic of electronic identifiers each page should have a unique is quite close to us. As a rule, the goal of any innovation is to improve and simplify the conditions of existence for both people and businesses. However, it should be remembered that even the most advanced we go digital technology can be used to harm and, even with significant financial support, if implemented incorrectly, can turn into an inconvenient and cumbersome infrastructure. Data security issues also remain open; no innovation is worth the risk of data leaks on a national scale.
A step towards a digital future will definitely boost technology development, improve the service sector and simplify consumer communications with government organizations and businesses. But it is important that this is a meaningful step based on real, reliable and secure technologies, and not just a desire to get publicity on a “hype” topic.
There are still a lot of questions:
What will happen to the electronic identifier in Russia we go digital coming years? Will QR codes become common practice? Is this technology so usa data reliable? What will be the penetration rate of electronic documents among the population of Russia?
Will paper passports be kept and for how long? How will events develop? Time will tell.