Australia’s Northern Territory Government has announced a $20.66 million investment to establish digital IDs for smartphones.
The project will allow residents to store nationally recognized digital driver’s licenses and Evidence of Age cards in a digital wallet. The digital IDs will integrate with other government systems, including the Banned Drinker Register and NT Police portable devices, with the aim to enhance security and convenience while protecting personal information.
While physical copies of licenses and cards will still be available, the digital versions offer additional control over information sharing with commercial entities.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler emphasized the government’s commitment to providing residents with the best technology and improving access to essential services.
“We want Territorians to have access to the best technology,” she said. “This is why we are investing $20.66 million into this digital licence development.”
Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Selena Uibo added that the digital driver’s license aligns with the NT Government Digital Transformation Plan, and emphasized its user-friendliness, robustness, and security.
Hospitality NT CEO Alex Bruce also welcomed the plan. “Already tourists come to the NT with digital IDs and we know from states that have rolled them out that a lot of people choose to leave their purses and wallets at home when heading out for the night,” he said. “With an average 450,000 BDR [banned drink register] scans a month, we look forward to our customers also being able to head to their local bottle shop just with their smartphone should they choose to.”
A pilot program is expected to be launched in 2025.
Source: PSNews
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May 16, 2024 — by Ali Nassar-Smith
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