By Ginnah Mini
THE Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) has launched the ‘Digital ID/Pass’ to regulate social media use, allowing citizens to register through fingerprint and facial recognition.
Responding to questions in Parliament about cyberattacks and fake online profiles raised by the Member for Wewak, Acting Minister for ICT Hon Peter Tsiamalili Jnr announced the initiative and confirmed that the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) has been tasked to ensure the telecommunications industry fast-tracks its rollout.
“I met with our biggest telco, Digicel, and they are already working through a committee to incorporate our Digital ID into SIM card users,” Tsiamalili said.
He explained that the system will make it easier to identify abusive Facebook users and those engaged in cyberbullying. “I strongly believe that Digital ID has been the missing link for us to zoom down to those that have been abusing the social media space,” he said.
Tsiamalili noted that many users disguise their identities through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), making regulation difficult. “Digital ID will single you out because it will capture your biometric, plus your fingerprint, and pin you down to a single number,” he said.
He highlighted that one of DICT’s biggest challenges has been identifying Facebook users who discredit others online, and the new tool will help address this issue.
He encouraged leaders and the public to download the Digital ID app, available on the Playstore for Android users and the App Store for iOS users, to promote a safer and more responsible digital space.