In response to a scandal involving misuse of personal data for party registrations, the Maldives government plans to introduce a digital ID system which notifies citizens whenever their data is accessed. This reform will ensure that consent is required for data access, ultimately enhancing data privacy and protection in the political landscape of the Maldives.
The Maldives government intends to strengthen citizens’ control over their personal data through a national digital identity system, following a scandal involving unauthorized use of personal data for political party registrations. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan announced that the eFaas digital ID will enable citizens to receive notifications whenever their data is accessed by any authority.
Minister Ihsan emphasized that these notifications will ensure that consent is obtained prior to any access, allowing individuals to track who has accessed their information and for what purpose. This initiative comes on the heels of a serious scandal where the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) party was found to have unlawfully registered members using data from the Department of National Registration without individuals’ consent.
The allegations have raised significant concerns about data privacy, with ongoing investigations into the misuse of ID card information to inflate party membership rolls. Consequently, the Elections Commission has moved toward implementing a digital verification system for political party registrations. Atoll Times reports that this new system is imminent.
The eFaas system, in operation since 2012, includes a digital ID application launched in 2023, allowing access to various essential documents. The facial recognition component of the digital ID is handled by Regula, reinforcing security measures.
Additionally, President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent discussions with Estonia regarding enhancing digital transformation in public services signal the government’s commitment to improving data handling practices in the Maldives.
The Maldives government is taking significant steps to restore public trust after a data misuse scandal by implementing a digital ID system that prioritizes data protection and user consent. With the introduction of the eFaas system, citizens will be empowered to monitor access to their personal information, potentially transforming political party registration processes in the country. This proactive approach reflects an effort to innovate in public service alongside international partners.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
