Identity as Infrastructure – Why ID is crucial for all

Governments all over the world understand the importance of investing in infrastructure.

Challenges facing ID roll-out

​​In today’s interconnected world, identity plays a crucial role, not just in terms of credentials, but in empowering individuals in both the real and digital realms. However, when launching programs to implement ​​an identity solution​, governments and supporting organisations alike face a multitude of challenges and considerations such as: 

• Inclusivity: Ensuring ​​inclusive reach for the entire​ population and ensuring there is no​ discrimination based on social or geographic factors. There must also be a​ plan for initial mass enrolment, ​followed by a longer-term strategy. 
• ​​Data protection: In the age of cyber attacks and ​identity theft,​ this data must be sufficiently safeguarded and protected.​​     ​
• Digital ID adoption: ​​Individual countries​ could unlock economic value equivalent to between 3 and 13 percent of GDP in 2030 from fully exploiting the potential of digital ID. However, ​​this is dependent on the drive for adoption to come from both public and private sector organisations​. 

Overcoming the challenges surrounding secure and trusted identity

At Thales, we understand these challenges and are committed to making the world safer and more sustainable, where everyone has access to a secure and trusted identity. ​With a legacy of 30 years of biometric technology expertise, ​​our overarching mission is to ensure that every citizen has access to personal identity through cutting-edge, user-centric biometric solutions.​​ 

A proven track record in country-wide identity project deployments 

​​Our identity ​​solutions are live in over 300 deployments, across 80 countries worldwide​: ​whether it’s getting 46 million citizens enrolled on a modern electoral roll or establishing an end-to-end passport solution for a country.​​

Scalable and accurate biometric solutions  

​​​Our scalable biometric engine is both flexible and future-proof, able to handle large population databases and can grow with demand.​ ​     ​​ 

​​​​Integration​ with external systems 

​​​Our solutions are designed to be interoperable, enabling identity credentials, both physical and digital, to be used by a diverse range of service providers – whether they are in the public or private sector.​ 

​​​​Usability​ 

We provide a​ user-friendly experience to citizens and an easy-to-operate solution for system administrators and operators. Smooth operations mean better service to the citizens and reduced cost to run and maintain the identity infrastructure. 

Cyber security by design 

​​We ensure that our solutions are created with the principle of “secured by design” at every step of the identity chain. ​​​We prioritize both privacy, giving citizens the peace of mind they deserve when utilizing their identity, and security with robust identity verification.​ 

ID4Africa

Founded in 2014, ID4Africa is driven by the need to establish identity-for-all, not just as a legal right, but also as a practical necessity to enable inclusive access to services in Africa. In 2024, our team attended the annual ID4Africa AGM.  

Together, alongside other tech leaders and representatives from African governments, we discussed how digital identity and aligned services can advance socio-economic development within their countries. By establishing a trusted, secure, and accessible identity ecosystem, Thales helps accelerate digital transformation, benefiting organisations and citizens alike.