Some states in Brazil have started issuing the country’s new digital ID, a digital version of the Carteira de Identidade Nacional. A full rollout is expected by March, according to a local news outlet.
The new digital ID came into effect in August and rollout has started in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Distrito Federal, Alagoas, Paraiba, Goias, and Para.
To get the digital ID, citizens will require a dedicated smartphone app that requires facial biometrics for verification. The digital ID was developed to control citizens’ access to services.
The digital ID system also devolved the powers of issuing IDs to states and the federal government has assured people that the digital IDs will be issued for free.
Some raised concerns that the country does not have the adequate resources to ensure data protection and equitable access to mitigate the risks associated with digital ID systems.
The old ID system will remain in place until 2033.
