Every year, as the calendar turns to 16th of September, we commemorate International Identity Day.
This significant day, often referred to simply as ID Day, underscores the importance of a legal and recognised identity for all.
Beyond just the notion of identity, this day champions three fundamental pillars: Inclusion, Protection, and Utility.
The essence of Identity Day is tied to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal Target 16.9, which aims to "by 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration."
But why are these pillars crucial, and how do they resonate in our daily lives?
Let's delve deep into the purpose of this day, understand the significance of each pillar, and explore Thales' commitment to fostering the ideals they embody.
#1. INCLUSION: Embracing Every Individual
An astounding 850 million people worldwide wander through life without any official form of identity.
Picture this: an entire population as large as Europe's, with its residents unseen, unrecognised, and unacknowledged by the very societies they belong to.
ID Day, launched by ID4Africa in 2018, is not just another tick on the calendar. It's a clarion call. It raises awareness of the challenges these 'invisible' millions face and underlines the urgency to bring them into the fold.
At Thales, while we're deeply committed to addressing this issue, we understand it's a collective effort, and we're proud to be a contributing force.
How? Our relentless pursuit of technological solutions and partnerships with governments worldwide ensures that everyone is included, acknowledged, and accepted.
Across the globe, Thales' expertise plays a pivotal role in shaping trusted ID systems. With around 300 identity programs worldwide relying on our secured, sustainable, and user-centric solutions, numerous nations recognise and trust our capabilities.
#2. PROTECTION: Safeguarding the Beacon of Our Existence
An identity isn't just a card or a number. It's who you are.
But what if that very essence is at risk? For most of us who have the privilege of recognised identities, do we ever pause to reflect on their safety?
Our identities need protection from theft and misuse.
International Identity Day is a stern reminder. It's a nudge, a gentle push to have an identity and ensure it's fortified against breaches.
At Thales, we understand the importance of the signal. Our technological innovations are tailored to ensure that your most personal asset—your identity—is guarded with the utmost precision.
Be it through cutting-edge encryption technologies or state-of-the-art security features, we're constantly reimagining ways to shield what defines you.
Thales has been at the forefront of the secure Identity documents innovation, establishing robust partnerships with government forensic experts globally.
Our approach is collaborative: We regularly open our R&D labs to Government Forensic Experts for shared insights and discussions on ongoing innovations.
We deliberate on enhancing the authentication of identity documents, making ID fraud detection straightforward and efficient.
Our track record reflects our expertise, with milestones like introducing polycarbonate materials in identity documents and producing unique identification cards for various countries.
At Thales, we aim to provide each individual with a secure, trusted identity, ensuring safety and reliability in every document.
#3. UTILITY: Maximising the Power of Identity
Having an identity without tapping into its full potential is like owning a key to a treasure chest but never unlocking it.
Are you leveraging the myriad of opportunities your identity offers? Can you navigate the world with ease, accessing essential services seamlessly?
Identity Day serves as an opportune moment for reflection and action.
It's asking us to question: How well is our identity serving us?
Identity schemes should be inclusive; there must be no barriers to access and use. Where citizens can prove their identity, populations are empowered. Lives are improved through better access to various services and social benefits, such as education and health. This can be done through a physical document, online verification services or a digital wallet.
With the rapid strides in digitisation, the scope of what one's identity can accomplish is expanding.
The Digital ID Wallet, a pioneering solution, seamlessly digitalises an individual's multiple identity credentials onto their smartphone. It offers unparalleled convenience and ease of access and is designed to complement physical ID cards.
The wallet acts as a companion to tangible proof of identity, ensuring that users have multiple avenues to validate and confirm their identity.
This wallet provides centralised and secure storage for these credentials and offers unparalleled ease of use for online and offline identity verifications.
Built with rigorous security measures, it ensures that users have full control over their data, deciding precisely when and with whom to share it. It's not just about having an identity; it's about harnessing its full potential in the digital age.
At Thales, we're not just keeping pace but leading the charge. From streamlining public services to simplifying daily transactions, we're ensuring that your identity isn't just a badge but a key—unlocking doors to myriad of possibilities.
In conclusion, as we mark International Identity Day, it's essential to understand its significance and recognise the relentless efforts, innovations, and commitments of organisations like Thales.
Through our contributions across the pillars of inclusion, protection, and utility, we aim to make the world not just technologically advanced but also inclusive, secure, and convenient for all.
So, this ID Day, let's not just celebrate.
Let's commit, act, and transform because everyone deserves an identity that includes, protects, and empowers.
How Thales is Shaping the Future of Identity
Thales' ID solutions are truly global, making their mark in every corner of the world.
From powering the passports of countries like the US and UK to facilitating national ID systems in Africa, Asia, Europe or the Middle East, Thales ensures seamless and secure identity management across diverse geographies and cultures.
Why should you trust in our expertise? Here's a brief snapshot:
- Decades of Mastery: With 120 years in security printing and over 25 years delving into biometric systems, we've amassed unparalleled knowledge and proficiency.
- All-Round Expertise: From the initial stages to the end product, our comprehensive understanding of the identification value chain ensures we provide an end-to-end solution tailored to your needs.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with governments, border agencies, law enforcement authorities, and integrators has enabled us to participate in numerous global projects.
- Numbers Don't Lie: Our products and solutions aren't just popular; they're trusted. They're a pivotal part of over 300 active programs worldwide, showcasing our expertise in secure document issuance, biometrics, authentication, and more.
Our commitment?
To empower your nation. Whether providing a secure identity to your citizens, bolstering your health and social initiatives, fortifying your borders, detecting risks proactively, or laying the foundation for a digital-forward economy - we're here every step of the way.
Are you ready to transform your nation's identity landscape? Let's embark on this journey together.
Here's how you can delve deeper into the world of identity with Thales.
More Resources on Identity and Related Topics
- Legal identity
- Digital ID solutions: Thales Digital Identity by Thales
- Civil Registration Solutions: Thales Identity Management
- Voter Registration and biometric-based electoral systems
- Biometric Solution for Secure Identity: Biometric Solutions by Thales
- Document and Identity Verification: Thales ID Verification Suite