Panama has implemented a digital identity system for citizens and permanent residents via Decree 43, introducing the e-cédula mobile wallet. The Digital Identity System (SID) allows users to perform online transactions and is currently available on Android devices. Enhanced biometrics and partnerships aim to secure services and improve user experience, reflecting Panama’s growing digital wallet trend.
Panama has launched a digital identity system for its citizens and permanent residents through Decree 43, aimed at securing online access to various government and private services. The system digitalizes information from physical identity documents issued by the Tribunal Electoral (TE) and introduces the “e-cédula,” a digital identity card accessible via a mobile wallet, streamlining identification processes for users.
The Digital Identity System (SID) enables both Panamanians and foreign residents to acquire a digital ID, allowing them to carry out transactions online. Currently, the service is limited to Android devices, and officials from the Electoral Court have exclusive access to the beta version of the SID app.
This initiative highlights the increasing reliance on digital wallets in Panama, marked by an expansion in their ownership and usage within the nation. Collaborations between the government and private tech companies ensure system efficiency, securing the digital identity infrastructure necessary for this transition.
The Tribunal Electoral, responsible for national ID issuance, is overseeing the implementation of these digital IDs, leveraging partnerships for development. For instance, Mühlbauer Group won recognition for the ID card design. Earlier initiatives, like MasterCard’s 2021 partnership, have laid groundwork for the digital ID framework.
The program is anchored in an Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) created by Innovatrics, while a consortium led by Veridos is enabling biometric verification capabilities. Panama aims to incorporate biometric tools for identifying individuals with criminal backgrounds as part of a comprehensive national security approach.
Following a soft launch, both nationals and expatriates are using the digital cédula to access critical services such as healthcare and banking. The Tribunal Electoral emphasized the necessity of this digital transition for promoting user convenience and reinforcing security via advanced biometric measures.
The introduction of Panama’s digital identity system represents a significant modernization in accessing public and private services. Decree 43 facilitates this system and introduces the e-cédula, which allows for secure digital identification. The move comes as part of a broader trend towards digital adoption in Panama, where the use of digital wallets is on the rise, reflecting an increasing demand for efficient and secure digital transactions. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing security and user experience in online services. This partnership between public authorities and technology providers strives to create a robust framework for identity verification, ensuring the privacy and safety of users in an evolving digital landscape.
Panama’s digital identity system marks a major step forward in facilitating secure online access for its citizens and permanent residents. By introducing the e-cédula and utilizing biometric technology, the initiative enhances both convenience and security. As digital wallets gain traction in Panama, this program is poised to meet the growing demand for efficient identity verification, potentially becoming an essential tool for various essential services. This collaboration reflects a successful blend of governmental authority and technological capabilities, paving the way for a more digitally integrative future in Panama.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
