Bhutan has launched the world’s first national digital identity program to join the Global Acceptance Network, enabling its citizens to utilize digital credentials globally. The initiative, rooted in self-sovereign identity, aims to ensure data verification and interoperability across various systems. By integrating with the GAN, Bhutan seeks to empower citizens with control over their identities while enhancing security and trust in international exchanges.
The Kingdom of Bhutan has achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first nation to introduce a national digital identity program that is now part of the Global Acceptance Network (GAN), a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring the trust and interoperability of verifiable data across various sectors. The GAN was informally launched on September 17, comprising over 30 foundational member organizations dedicated to this vision. In 2023, Bhutan initiated its pioneering National Digital Identity (NDI) system, which is rooted in the principles of self-sovereign identity (SSI). Since then, the nation has been navigating the complexities associated with implementing decentralized identity solutions at a national level. This membership announcement coincided with the Bhutan Innovation Forum, where Bhutan formally joined the GAN as an ecosystem member. This strategic position will facilitate the integration of Bhutan’s NDI with other global digital identity infrastructures, enhancing the usability of Bhutanese digital credentials on an international scale. Jigme Tenzing, the secretary of Bhutan’s government technology agency, articulated the significance of this development, stating, “By joining the Global Acceptance Network, Bhutan is taking the next step towards ensuring our digital credentials are not only secure within our borders but trusted globally. Our vision is to empower every Bhutanese citizen with control over their own data, while enabling seamless, verifiable exchanges with the rest of the world. GAN provides the interoperable trust network we need to build this truly interconnected and trusted digital future.” The Global Acceptance Network includes prominent platinum members such as Accenture, NTT Digital, and Gen, along with ecosystem participants like Trinsic and Yoti. Additional contributors to the network include Interac, cheqd, Danube Tech, and GLEIF. The platform is further supported by GAN Ambassadors, including Yodahe Zemichael from Ethiopia’s National ID program, alongside 11 additional representatives from both public and private sectors.
The advent of digital identity systems marks a pivotal shift in how personal identification is managed globally, particularly in the context of enhancing security and facilitating international trust. Such systems aim to empower individuals by granting them ownership and control over their data while enabling seamless and verifiable exchanges in a digital ecosystem. The Global Acceptance Network aims to create a collaborative framework for these digital identity systems to function reliably across borders, thus fostering an integrated and trusted international environment. Bhutan’s innovative NDI program exemplifies this trend, showcasing the country’s commitment to advancing digital identity practices and positioning itself on the global stage.
In conclusion, Bhutan’s membership in the Global Acceptance Network signals a progressive step towards establishing a secure, verifiable, and globally recognized digital identity framework. By leveraging the GAN’s resources and collaborative opportunities, Bhutan aspires to enhance the digital credentials of its citizens, fostering global interoperability and trust. This initiative not only enhances the security of personal data within Bhutan but also paves the way for international recognition and acceptance of Bhutanese digital identities, ultimately empowering citizens with greater control over their own information.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
