Bhutan has made a significant transition by moving its national digital self-sovereign identity (SSI) system from the Hyperledger Indy distributed ledger to the Polygon Blockchain. This shift is part of the country’s broader strategy to improve the security, scalability, and performance of its National Digital Identity (NDI) system, in which biometric technology plays a central role.
The transition also involves upgrading the protocol layer of the NDI system to CREDEBL, an open-source decentralized identity and verifiable credentials management platform. CREDEBL is endorsed by the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) and supported by the United Nations.
Bhutan’s decision to adopt the Polygon Blockchain and its zero-knowledge protocols is aimed at enhancing the system’s scalability, ensuring it can handle high transaction volumes without compromising performance. Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), the government-owned company overseeing the NDI project, emphasized that this move aligns with global open-source security standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Bhutan has been a pioneer in the adoption of self-sovereign identity systems, with its NDI project setting an example for other countries. The government is also exploring additional biometric features, such as voice biometrics for individuals with visual impairments and improved selfie biometrics for enhanced security.
The NDI system’s wallet is designed to serve as a centralized sign-on platform for government services, facilitating data exchange through proof requests and the issuance of verifiable credentials (VCs). It is also expected to accommodate complex proof requests, including Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and cross-border operations, thereby streamlining and securing these critical functions.
Bhutan’s NDI system, developed in collaboration with the Trust over IP (ToIP) Foundation, was launched in 2023 as part of Bhutan’s Digital Drukyul Flagship Program.
The system is based on SSI principles, allowing individuals to control their personal data and digital identities, and facilitates secure digital interactions between the government, individuals, and the private sector by issuing verifiable credentials, such as IDs and academic certificates, through decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and blockchain technology.
Governed by the National Digital Identity Act of 2023 and a comprehensive governance framework, the NDI ensures privacy, consent-based transactions, and compliance with international standards.
Bhutan’s upcoming participation as an industry partner at Digital Government Africa 2024 further underscores its commitment to advancing digital identity technologies. The event, scheduled for October 2024 in Lusaka, Zambia, will focus on the implementation of robust digital government infrastructures across African nations.
Source: The Paypers
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August 13, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis
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