Japan’s Chip-Based Digital ID: My Number Card
The Japanese government began issuing the My Number Card (マイナンバーカード), also known as the Individual Number Card, on New Year’s Day 2016. It replaced the “Basic Resident Registration Card” launched in 2003 to enhance the convenience of using public services.
Japanese citizens over 20 years old, or foreign residents with a resident record (including name, birth date, gender, and address), can apply for a My Number Card with a 12-digit number either in person or online. Once approved, the card will be mailed to the registered address.
Features and Functions of the My Number Card
The My Number Card is a digital ID equipped with an IC chip, displaying the holder’s name, address, birth date, gender, personal number (My Number), and photo.
Beyond serving as an official ID, the My Number Card aims to reduce barriers between citizens and government or financial institutions, integrating resources to provide convenient services and streamline essential interactions, such as:
- Routine Services: Social insurance applications, tax document submissions, etc., provided by city governments.
- Employment Services: Job assistance, recruitment registration, job training, subsidy applications, employment selection, etc.
- Financial Transactions: Opening bank accounts, international transfers, etc., using the My Number Card as identification.
Uses of the My Number Card
Over 100 million My Number Cards have been issued. Besides identification, they are used in daily life, such as:
- Convenience Stores: The My Number Card’s electronic certificate function allows users to copy residence records, registration certificates, etc., at convenience stores.
- Personal Tax Management: Online tax calculation, tax registration, tax filing, income tax refund applications, etc.
- Family and Health Management: The My Number Card can be used as a health insurance card or for online applications for maternity benefits, kindergarten registration, etc.
My Number Card Will Be Compatible with iOS Devices
In mid-May this year, Apple announced that My Number Card will integrate with iOS systems by the end of next spring, making Japan the first country outside the US to offer Apple Wallet ID.
Users will no longer need to carry a physical My Number Card. By adding the card to Apple Wallet, they can use Face ID or Touch ID biometric technology for instant verification on their phones, accessing various government services.
Japan’s Digital Minister Taro Kono is optimistic about the collaboration with Apple, publicly stating, “The Digital Agency will create a globally leading, safe, and convenient digital society based on smartphones.”
Currently, Japanese citizens can decide whether to apply for a My Number Card based on individual needs. However, the government aims for widespread adoption, aligning with the 2023 Cabinet’s “Key Plan for Achieving a Digital Society” (デジタル社会の実現に向けた重点計画).
Singapore Leads with Digital Identity: SingPass
When discussing digital societies, Singapore is a frontrunner. In 2014, it launched the Smart Nation initiative, promoting national transformation through the digital economy, digital government, and digital society. This vision accelerates digitalization across sectors, requiring digital literacy from citizens to make digital development a national movement.
Features of the SingPass App
In 2018, the Singapore government introduced “SingPass” as the foundation of the national digital identity infrastructure. Initially designed as a simple identity authentication tool, SingPass has evolved into a multifunctional e-platform, enabling residents to securely access various public and private services online, such as viewing academic records, job assistance, passport or driving license information, property titles, CPF balances, voting rights, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and more.
Since 2021, most government login procedures require SingPass authentication to access digital services, including the digital version of the Singaporean IC, important government information notifications, and online document signing.
SingPass employs two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced personal data protection. Login methods vary by device:
- Quick login using fingerprint or facial recognition via the SingPass app, or entering a six-digit passcode.
- For browsers on computers or mobile devices, users must enter their SingPass ID and password, followed by facial recognition or a one-time password (OTP) received via SMS.
Convenience with MyInfo Integration
Another key feature of SingPass is “MyInfo.” Once logged in, MyInfo auto-fills personal or company details in online forms, such as loan applications, utility account openings, and social insurance applications, saving time and reducing input errors, improving user experience. The business version, MyInfo Business, similarly simplifies transaction processes and enhances operational efficiency.
Future of Digital Identity
Whether it’s the exemplary SingPass or the rapidly advancing My Number Card, both create a more user-friendly public service environment. Looking ahead, the adoption and application scope of digital identities will continue to expand, integrating more government platforms, improving user interfaces, and extending service offerings to cover more aspects of daily life.
In finance, online transactions, and healthcare, enhanced digital identity management ensures regulatory compliance. Integrating digital identity management into regulatory processes can simplify service access control, enhance user experience, and promote efficient and secure customer management. Contact the Authme professional team to learn how we leverage biometric and emerging technologies to provide advanced digital identity verification solutions.
