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THE EDITOR, Madam:
The National Identification System (NIDS) has so far divided opinions in Jamaica. The general atmosphere towards the proposed system does appear to be negative; however, there is potential for a transparent system which will revolutionise the way we operate.
One of the main benefits of NIDS will be the transparency which it will provide. Jamaica currently lacks a dedicated national ID, hence the over reliance on functional forms of identification, such as driver licence, voter ID, passport, etc.
The advantage with NIDS is that it will be a digital platform, with layers of cybersecurity attached to enhance safety and accessibility. The NIDS system is being built from scratch to support optimal function in this ever-advancing digital era.
One potential benefit of NIDS will ultimately allow citizens the ability to know who accessed their information and for what reasons. The official NIDS website states that NIDS, “will permit the digitalisation of government; reduce bureaucracy, and create dynamic and transparent records of government-to-citizen transactions”. Belgium, for example, with their eID project, allows citizens to keep track of who has accessed their data stored on the card and for what purpose.
NIDS has the potential to be revolutionary through its level of security and the potential for corporate inclusiveness, which will allow for a system less susceptible to back-door dealings like we currently have. We will have a more open system, allowing each individual and entity involved to enjoy a greater level of accountability and transparency.
GIOVANNIE BRADY
https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/letters/20210629/nids-will-ensure-transparency-accountability