Russians to be Rescued from Burden of Paperwork and Deception via All-Purpose Digital Data Exchange System
Digital ID: Your new Electronic Wallet of Documents
Gear up for a digital revolution! The government is cooking up a new idea—an electronic identity card, conveniently called a Digital ID. Picture this: a single app that holds all your docs—passport, driver's license, student or school cards, and even your educational certificates. You'll also be able to check into hotels, verify your age in stores, and access benefits, all within this app. Soon, you can kiss carrying that bulky pile of papers goodbye!
The State Duma is about to mull over amendments to a bill that could make this digital dashboard a reality. Called "On the creation of a multifunctional information exchange service and on amending certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation," this bill aims to refine domestic digital services, both public and commercial. The bill is proposed by the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technology, and Communications.
What's so special about this Digital ID? It's a shot at creating a one-stop-shop for all your digital needs, combining various functionality in a user-friendly format. The bill outlines guidelines for this new application, addressing matters like security, data privacy, and user-friendliness.
Speaking of which, Russian users have been vocal about their desire for expanded digital services, inspired by the success of "Gosuslugi". This digital platform has already streamlined interactions between citizens and the state, expanded electronic document management, and enabled self-verification on trusted external resources. With the new Digital ID, there's a proposal to merge these capabilities with other electronic services, finally making it a reality.
Komsomolskaya Pravda caught up with Artem Kiryanov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, for his insights.
- Will Russia become a digital powerhouse with this Digital ID?
"We've already got a leading position globally in digital services that bridge the gap between individuals and the state. It didn't happen overnight. Our combination of personal taxpayer account and tax service is unique worldwide. Today, Russians can manage a whole bunch of activities via Goservices, with hundreds of millions of service requests handled annually."
- Is this a fraud-proof system?
"Indeed, it beefs up cybersecurity. Smartly, there haven't been any major data breaches from state structures, including Goservices. This elevates security, enhances convenience, and eliminates the need to carry hard copies of documents for every situation, from presenting a passport to proving driver's license, diploma, or eligibility for benefits."
- Is it a one-messenger show or can we play with others?
"This app is about functionality. Other messengers are for communication and file sharing, but they don't offer the ability to settle legally significant matters or interact with businesses in a single click. This is exclusive tech."
- Will the Digital ID realize digital sovereignty?
"Definitely. It's another stride towards achieving our digital autonomy. The app will run on Russian software, independent of external influences."
- When will the Digital ID come to life?
"The amendments have been reviewed, and the second reading will be held soon. You can find the draft law and the committee's proposed amendments on the State Duma website. We'll consider it after the regional week."
- So, paper documents aren't redundant, right?
"Absolutely not. We'll make sure citizens have versatile options to choose from."
Sources:
- Pre-Travel Registration
- Integration of Documents
- The Digital ID, billed to be a one-stop-shop for digital needs, includes functionality for finance, such as managing tax-related activities, potentially revolutionizing the way people do finance-related tasks digitally.
- With its expanded capabilities, the Digital ID is expected to become a central hub for general-news updates, as it aims to merge various electronic services, including access to news platforms and information exchange services, in a user-friendly format.
