German citizens will be using smartphones to store their government issued ID cards.
How progressive is this though? The switch from the analogue bureaucracy is inevitable and it is happening faster than we thought. While Kenyans are getting their huduma nambas German citizens will be able to use their electronic ID stored in their smartphones together with a PIN number to prove they are who they claim to be when communicating with authorities or businesses.
Why is this a good move?
The fact remains that more people are likely to have a smartphone than their physical IDs as a matter of fact I stayed without a physical ID for some time but when I was asked for my ID I would present a photo of it.
Germans are currently required to present credit card-sized cards which contains all their details, this ID allows them to apply for bank accounts and other official applications just like other countries. While there are already ways of doing this online, the physical card and a card reader are currently required.
Separately, the ministry said the Cabinet has agreed on a bill that will make government-generated data openly available to businesses and private individuals where possible, to spur the development of new applications.