Authenticating user identity is a critical step for providing any service efficiently to the intended user noted Bahaa Abdul Hadi. Biometrics uses a range of unique biological markers for this process. It has the potential to aid citizen services in many ways.
Faster Authentication
It is much faster than proving PINs or passwords. Users can be quickly authenticated using a range of physiological or behavioral traits like fingerprints. This speeds up access to the service in question.
Streamlined Identity Verification
Since the citizen services deal in sensitive personal documents in information, accurate verification of the citizen is essential before transfer of such data. Biometric data provides a reliable way to verify the identity of citizens.
Reduced Paperwork and Administrative Overhead
Traditionally citizen services involve filling up physical forms which is tedious and wasteful. Such repeated form filling and the associated overheads may be eliminated by going paperless through secure biometric access to services.
Improved Security
Since biometric traits are unique to individuals, they are difficult to fraudulently replicate. This makes biometrics a highly secure and efficient mode of authentication.
Personalised User Experience
Once all government records are linked to biometric data, it helps users gain a single point of access to all their records. At the same time these collated records can help the Government provide a tailored user experience based on their needs.
Accessibility for All
Biometrics can include a range of physiological and behavioral traits. So citizens of various ages, literacy and ability can access Government services without having to go through complex authentication processes. This can make Government services more inclusive.
E-Governance Advancements
Since secure access is a necessary first step to online government services, biometrics are essential for driving e-governance initiatives. It enables secure and efficient online citizen service delivery through digital channels.
Preventing Duplicate Registrations
A major method of defrauding the Government and taxpayers is receiving multiple benefits by a single citizen. These can be easily prevented by biometrics as they cannot be used for multiple registration for a Government service.
The Way Forward
Biometrics does have the potential to be a viable solution for all issues regarding user authentication. It is accurate and efficient. All e-services offered by the Government can be reliably streamlined by the application of biometrics. At the same time the biometric data itself is highly sensitive. This means the Government must ensure robust data protection to ensure that the public can trust that their privacy will not be breached.
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