The United Nations' ambitious goal to establish a global digital identity for every individual by 2030, spearheaded by the ID2020 project, has garnered attention and skepticism alike. While the promise of enhanced efficiency and accessibility accompanies this digital identity, a closer examination reveals a host of dangers, including the potential establishment of a pervasive surveillance state.
What is Digital Identity?
Defined by the World Economic Forum, digital identity encompasses a collection of individual attributes stored centrally, ranging from age to personal behavior, creating a comprehensive profile. However, this reductionist approach neglects the profound complexities of human identity, transcending mere attributes.
The Dangers Unveiled:
1. Privacy Invasion:
The consolidation of personal data in a digital identity system poses a serious threat to privacy. From online search history to medical records, the extent of information gathered can create a detailed profile, potentially including political views, leading to an unprecedented invasion of privacy.
2. Government Control and Sanctions:
Recent events, such as the introduction of "green passports" and freezing of bank accounts during protests, underscore the potential for excessive state control. Digital identity empowers governments to swiftly access an individual's data and impose sanctions, reminiscent of a totalitarian social credit system.
The Ideological Driving Force:
The digital identity agenda finds its roots in influential figures like Bill Gates, who, through organizations like Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, play a pivotal role in shaping and financing these initiatives. The concentration of power in the hands of the UN and governments raises concerns about individual autonomy and freedom.
Who's Steering the Ship?
On a global scale, the United Nations and the World Economic Forum lead the charge, with partners like Microsoft, Gavi, the Rockefeller Foundation, Facebook, and Mastercard contributing to Project ID2020. The European Union's rapid push for digital identity, justified by the pandemic, adds another layer of concern.
Implementation Progress:
Various nations are at different stages of implementing digital identity. Ukraine's "DiiA" app and Austria's "ID Austria" project exemplify the advancing integration of digital identity into daily life. The rapid progression raises questions about the potential consequences for individual freedoms and privacy.
Conclusion:
While digital identity is touted as a service with advantages, it harbors the risk of total surveillance and control. The project's origins with Bill Gates and the UN, coupled with its potential to grant excessive power to governments, underline the need for careful consideration and scrutiny. The looming specter of a world where citizens become digital subjects must be met with vigilance at all levels. The implementation of this agenda is not merely a technological evolution but a societal transformation that demands critical evaluation and resistance.