Championing International ID Day’s Core Pillars

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 what’s the relevance for us in our daily lives?

As we approach the day itself, it’s the perfect time to take a look at its purpose, understand the significance of each pillar, and explore Thales' commitment to fostering the ideals they embody.

#1. INCLUSION: Embracing Every Individual

An astounding 800 million people worldwide go 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. 

As of 2020, regions like Africa still has one of the lowest birth registration rates in the world. According to the latest UNICEF estimates (December 2024), 51% of children under 5 in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) had their births registered, meaning nearly half of young African children remain ‘invisible’ to civil registries. While great strides have been made in some areas of the continent, millions of children – especially in certain subregions, conflict-affected and fragile states, are still left without legal identity. 

ID Day, launched by ID4Africa in 2018, is not just another tick on the calendar, but a clarion call. It raises awareness of the challenges these 'invisible' millions face without an official record, 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. Our goal is that no one is left behind, no matter where they come from or the challenges they face.

Through our relentless pursuit of technological solutions, and partnerships with governments worldwide, we work to ensure everyone is included, acknowledged, and accepted.

On this quest, biometrics play an essential role. Biometrics can be defined as the most practical means of identifying and authenticating individuals in a reliable and fast way through unique biological characteristics. They are Universal – we all have it, Unique – distinguishing, Permanent – stable over time, and Measurable – can be sensed. Biometrics offer a solution to make sure the person and the identity are securely tied. 

With 30 years of experience in biometrics and constant investment in Research and Development to continually push the technology further, we put our algorithms and devices at the service of the identity challenge.

#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? 

The protection of our identities from theft and misuse is crucial. 

International Identity Day serves as a stern reminder, gently nudging us to prioritize the fortification of our identities against breaches. 

At Thales, we deeply understand the significance of this matter. Our technological innovations are specifically designed to safeguard your most personal asset—your identity—with the highest level of precision. 

Whether it's through advanced encryption technologies or state-of-the-art security features, we constantly reimagine ways to shield the very essence that defines you. But it doesn't stop there. In this era of cyber attacks and identity theft, ensuring the sufficient safeguarding and protection of data is imperative. This is why our solutions are built with a 'secured by design' approach at every stage of the identity chain.

Fully aware of the sensitivity of personal identity data, our solutions implement thorough data protection measures - for data both at rest and in transit - in strict compliance with data regulations, to ensure that your identity system is free of vulnerability and your citizens’ data safe.

At Thales, we aim to provide each individual with a secure, trusted identity, ensuring safety and reliability in every credential across both physical and digital worlds. 

#3. EMPOWERMENT: Putting citizens at the centre

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, prompting us to question: How well is our identity serving us? 

Identity schemes should be inclusive, with 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 is a pioneering solution which seamlessly brings together an individual's multiple identity credentials onto their smartphone. Offering unparalleled convenience and ease of access, it is designed to complement physical ID cards.

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. Having an identity in place is an important first step, but the opportunities really come to life when citizens are able to harness 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 a 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 more 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 experience in security printing and over 25 years delivering 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 pivotal to 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.