A look at China’s push for digital national ID cards
China has embraced mobile internet-based services because they improve convenience and access to services. Now the government is taking a step toward streamlining bureaucracy by digitising the national ID card, which is needed as proof of identity for many types of transactions
Can digitisation be applied to burdensome and largely paper-based transactions to help China’s government streamline its bureaucracy and better deliver services to 1.4 billion people? The world’s most populous country is taking the first step in Nansha district in Guangzhou, by introducing a virtual version of the national identification card with the full acceptance and validity as the physical card.
What are national ID cards and what are they used for?
Every Chinese national in mainland China has to apply for a Resident Identity Card upon reaching the age of 16. This national ID card is an official document for personal identification issued by the Public Security Bureau.
The current ID card is the second-generation version that features an embedded chip and digital encryption. The card contains personal information including the individual’s full name in Chinese characters, gender, ethnicity, date of birth, domicile, identification number, and a colour photo. The ID card is used for purposes including the obtaining of residence permits and driving licenses, opening of bank accounts, checking into hotels, purchasing high-speed railway tickets and boarding domestic flights.
Why is China issuing digital versions of the ID cards and what are the benefits?