This year, Iris ID joins in on the global initiative to recognize September 16 as Identity Day. We know that this call to action represents more than a day of observance; it endorses a fundamental humanitarian issue that everyone has the right to be acknowledged. Everyone has the right to be identified. And because there is value in one’s identity, everyone’s identity must be protected.
So what is Identity Day? Identity Day was created to bring awareness about the role identity plays in everyday life activities whether you are living in an industrialized society or a developing country. Getting the word out and supporting Identity Day lets legislators know that now is the time to enact standards that help to protect individuals and their identities that are tied to significant personal information.
Establishing identity is the key to receiving countless lifesaving benefits as well as advantages that can make life easier such as access to medical services, financial institutions, schools and even food. Being able to confirm who someone is with speed and accuracy is crucial for many government programs. The success of these programs currently in place in many developing countries will be the blueprint for future programs worldwide; so it is imperative that these programs are done right and receive adequate backing and funding. One example of a national ID program is India’s AADHAR national ID program. The program uses Iris ID iris technology as the main modality and has just over 1 billion users enrolled. Once enrolled, citizens gain access to numerous benefits in both the public and private sectors such as social services, tax payments, digital and in-person banking services, passports and host of other services that people in more developed countries take for granted. The AADHAR program in India was created in 2008 by India’s Unique Identification Authority to help deter duplicate and fake identities. In India and similar countries that have difficulty with authenticating citizens because there is a lack of access to identity documents, validating identity is not only for convenience but it often means life or death. In developed countries where citizen have many forms of identification, problems still exist due to forgeries and identity theft. If there are standard procedures in place that will accurately authenticate and verify one’s identity before services are granted, then significant cost benefits can realized for individual citizens and institutions who would no longer be liable for fraudulent expenditures.
Supporting Identity Day can start the conversation and help promote a campaign that teaches the power of identity. Accurate identity verification guarantees inclusion and access to your country’s benefits and services. Accurate identity verification guarantees you protection and it empowers you to have your voice heard in important voting elections and education services for your children. Iris ID joins the call with over 160 international organizations, development agencies and non-commercial entities to spread awareness about the annual commemoration of Identity Day on September 16. Visit www.id-day.org to learn more about Identity Day.
Learn more about how Iris ID supports contactless, fast and accurate identity authentication with iris technology at www.irisid.com.