Bhutan has launched the world’s first National Digital Identity (NDI) program within the Global Acceptance Network, aiming to enhance digital identity interoperability. The initiative, based on self-sovereign identity, enables Bhutanese citizens to manage their data securely while facilitating trusted exchanges globally. Bhutan’s membership was announced at the Bhutan Innovation Forum, exemplifying its commitment to a connected digital future through collaboration within the GAN.
Bhutan has officially become the first nation globally to join the Global Acceptance Network (GAN) with its National Digital Identity (NDI) program. This initiative, which was soft-launched on September 17, 2023, comprises over 30 founding organizations, aiming to enhance the accessibility and interoperability of digital identities worldwide. Bhutan’s NDI system leverages the concept of self-sovereign identity (SSI), positioning the country to overcome the decentralized identity challenges on a national level. The announcement of Bhutan’s integration into the GAN was made during the Bhutan Innovation Forum, highlighting the nation’s move to align its digital credential system with other global identity frameworks. As a GAN ecosystem member, Bhutan seeks to create a robust infrastructure that allows its citizens to utilize their digital identities seamlessly across borders. “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,” stated Jigme Tenzing from Bhutan’s government technology agency. This indicates a commitment to empowering citizens by providing control over their own data and facilitating trusted interactions internationally. This membership underscores the importance of interoperability in building a globally accepted digital identity infrastructure. The GAN Foundation counts notable organizations like Accenture, NTT Digital, and Gen among its platinum members, with other contributors such as Trinsic and Yoti. Moreover, the initiative involves partnerships with other stakeholders, enhancing collaboration across sectors to achieve a unified trust framework for digital identity. GAN Ambassadors, including Yodahe Zemichael, the Ethiopian National ID Executive Director, contribute to the foundation’s mission through public-private sector involvement, thus strengthening the network’s objectives further.
The Global Acceptance Network is a pivotal initiative designed to make digital data verifiable and interoperable across various sectors, providing a comprehensive trust framework. By allowing countries like Bhutan to participate, the GAN facilitates a more integrated approach to digital identity management, where identities can be verified and trusted internationally. This endeavor is particularly significant, as it promotes the concept of self-sovereign identity, whereby individuals have full autonomy over their personal data and can share it seamlessly with entities around the world. Bhutan’s embrace of these principles showcases a forward-thinking approach to digital transformation and identity management, aiming to enhance both security and accessibility.
Bhutan’s inclusion in the Global Acceptance Network marks a significant milestone in the evolution of digital identity frameworks globally. By committing to a self-sovereign identity model, Bhutan aims to grant its citizens greater control over their data while ensuring secure and trusted exchanges across borders. The collaboration with various global organizations within the GAN will facilitate the development of a trustworthy and interoperable digital identity system, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in advancing digital infrastructure. This initiative not only positions Bhutan as a leader in digital identity but also sets a precedent for other nations to follow.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
