The White House has released its National Security Strategy, calling for the development of a digital identity “ecosystem” to support a more efficient digital economy. While the document highlights conveniences and secure access to government services and benefits, as well as trusted communication and improved payment systems, it lacks details on the privacy implications of such an initiative.
We obtained a copy of the document for youĀ here.
The administration calls for fundamental changes to the digital ecosystem, including “real-time, actionable, and multi-directional (data) sharing,” and proposes solutions based on NIST-led digital identity research to strengthen security and update standards for consistency and interoperability.
However, critics note that the document does not address the potential privacy concerns raised by digital IDs. While the administration acknowledges that states are already testing digital driver’s license pilots, it merely “notes and encourages” focusing on privacy, civil liberties, and security. The strategy also seems to promise tech companies that it will not impose strong regulations on their activities, although it suggests that new standards may be needed, implying government involvement in what has been the realm of internet and communications data services giants.
As the administration pushes for a digital currency, concerns arise over the government’s involvement in digital identity development and potential privacy violations. It is crucial to ensure that the rights and privacy of individuals are not compromised in the process. As the digital ecosystem undergoes fundamental changes, it will be very easy to herd the masses into a digital prison. We must remain vigilant.
We obtained a copy of the document for youĀ here.
where do we go from here…
