Sri Lanka will enhance its national ID system by securing biometric data using hashing technology. This approach transforms biometric information into unique, non-reversible hashes, safeguarding citizen data. Officials emphasize rigorous testing and the establishment of digital lockers for personal information, with initial collection focusing on fingerprints and facial recognition.
Sri Lanka is set to enhance the security of its national ID system by storing biometric data in hashed form. This one-way encryption method converts biometric information into non-reversible cryptographic hashes, ensuring that each person’s data is uniquely represented by a series of random numbers, as stated by Waruna Sri Dhanapala, acting secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and chairman of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka.
Sanjaya Karunasena, director of ICTA, highlighted the critical nature of data security in the handling of citizen information. He noted that their approach involves extensive testing for both data security and service reliability. “Biometric-backed digital identity provides a reliable, robust identity system in cyberspace. Multiple security testing gates will be implemented before public use ensuring security guarantees. The biometrics will be translated into hash,” he detailed.
Furthermore, individuals will have access to a digital locker storing essential personal data, as shared by ICTA board member Harsha Purasinghe at an event organized by the Shippers Academy of Sri Lanka. He noted, “The country is integrating horizontal infrastructures like Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance broadband and connectivity, fostering an inclusive digital economy.”
Initially, biometric data collection will focus on fingerprints and facial recognition, with plans to expand to iris data gathering in the future. Amendments to the Digital ID Act to facilitate iris data collection will soon be proposed in Parliament. Recently, Thales was awarded the contract to produce digital ID cards for this national identity initiative.
Sri Lanka’s commitment to securing biometric data through hashing is poised to set a benchmark for data protection in digital identity systems. The integration of robust security measures, including extensive testing and the establishment of digital lockers, ensures a secure environment for citizens’ biometric information. The planned inclusion of multiple biometric modalities further strengthens the integrity of the national ID system.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
