The way we identify ourselves has changed and development of critical online services makes the identification process even more critical. When it comes to set up a digital identification programme, key-related elements to succeed are global involvement and trust. So how can trust in digital identity be increased so that everyone is involved?
At SURYS, we create trust in digital identity by developing a secure digital identity management system covering five axes: safe enrolment, respect of data privacy, inclusion, friendly usage and an incremental approach.
A safe enrolment
Digital identity must be based on the authentication of the primary identity issued by a trusted third party such as a government. Physical identity documents remain today the most secure way to prove one’s identity. A secure enrolment must then rely on the authentication of the applicant’s identity documents. This authentication must be possible both in a State institution and at home and must be sufficiently secure to fight against modern digital attacks, such as morphing.
Keesing AuthentiScan™ allows you to automatically check any identity document in seconds, either from a desktop computer or from your smartphone. Once authenticated and combined with human-related characteristics of the applicant, the generation of the digital identity can be done in complete confidence.
Respect of data privacy
Digital identity raises legitimate questions regarding personal data and citizens are keen to know whether they are stored and well protected and who manage them.
Our Photometrix™ digital identifier is an encrypted 2D code generated from the personal data collected from the authenticated identity document as well as the photo template.
At SURYS we offer a solution that does not require a database and respects the concept of Privacy by Design. In essence, our Photometrix™ is designed for offline authentication that does not require access to a central database.
Inclusion
Identity is a right for every individual. Digital identity raises the question of inclusion because its deployment must not exclude people from today society. Physical documents have the advantage of being reassuring but, alone, they no longer meet the new challenges of the digital world. Considering a completely dematerialised identity is certainly attractive, but it may exclude seniors or people living in areas poorly covered by networks.
SURYS has therefore opted for a hybrid solution that can be carried on both a physical document and a digital screen. By taking advantage of both physical and digital worlds, the Photometrix™ digital identifier is a perfect gateway to a complete adoption of the digital identity.
A friendly usage
To achieve the highest level of acceptance, the digital identification process must be smooth and reassuring. The authentication tool must be accessible to everyone and that is why the Photometrix™ digital identifier can be authenticated through a simple scan via any smartphone.
An incremental approach
The concept of digital identity is not only about dematerialising sovereign documents; its landscape extends to the concept of smart cities, smart airports, border facilitation and many other areas. It is revolutionising our daily lives by securing and facilitating access to services. With Photometrix™ we consider digital identity as an on-demand identity, so the holder can decide which personal information he wants to share and with whom.
We must be able to adapt digital identification according to the needs of the situation and that is why the challenges of delegation of rights and enrichment of identity are parts of the goals that Photometrix™ addresses.
Philippines seafarer identification card (SID)
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines has recently launched a new e-SID card to identify the 387.072 deployed seafarers.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), in charge of the project, is a cutting edge partner always willing to innovate and move forward. Hence, to complement the advanced laminate protecting the SID, SURYS introduces a digital breakthrough technology: Photometrix™.
Introduction of modern security features into the seafarer’s ID aims to simplify seafarers’ admission in countries visited by ship and to allow access on land without a visa. The card also permits them to benefit from basic services such as healthcare, nutrition or simply calling families back home. “The goal is to provide global operability and reliability by ensuring the privileges of facilitated border crossing, transit transfer and repatriation to the Filipino seafarers” explains Attorney Ma. Rowena Hubilla.
On the seafarer ID, Photometrix™ protects the ID picture by guaranteeing its authenticity through a simple scan with any standard smartphone of the encrypted 2D barcode that surrounds the picture. It enables a quick offline control of the photo by anyone, anywhere.
Authentication of a document must be simple, fast and ergonomic, regardless of the control environment. To go further, it is possible to implement biometric features into the 2D barcode. In this case, Photometrix™ enables linking the physical person to her/his ID card, allowing for a reliable and quick control as to whether the ID card and the cardholder match.
Respecting the privacy by design concept standards, Photometrix™ allows seafarers to access various services while keeping the ownership of their identity.
By essence, the Photometrix™ code is designed for an offline authentication, thus it doesn’t require to access a central database. But even within the code itself, the privacy of the card holder is guaranteed as physical characteristics of the picture stored in the code do not allow the reproduction of the photo.
All issued SID cards are ILO compliant, standard based on the implementation ICAO Document 9303.
SURYS is delighted to be able to help the Filipino seafarers to access land services all around the world. These basic human rights have been claimed by ILO for many years.
The beauty of the Photometrix™ implementation is that anyone equipped with a basic smartphone will be able to validate the authenticity of the SID card and its owner. This will save a lot of cost in infrastructure, with no extra tools needed to check the card. On top of this, Photometrix™ works offline and is therefore not dependent on mobile network quality and availability. This is particularly appreciated in remote areas.
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