Parallel session 1A: Digital Identity

Thanks to advances in ubiquitous ICTs and affordable biometrics, the world is at an important period of debate around and deployment of digital identity systems. From large-scale public sector systems, such as Aadhaar in India, to private sector products such as mobile SIM cards and Facebook, the scope and depth of people’s engagement with these systems is on the rise. But how do we best understand user needs, practices, and vulnerabilities around digital identity systems? How do these systems complement people’s existing practices around identity management, and what problems and opportunities might these new systems evoke? Chris Locke from Caribou Digital will present findings from recent research into digital identities in India, and will then be joined by a panel of experts to discuss how we focus not just on how identity platforms solve top-down problems, but how they can meet the needs of people and communities, as well.

Panelists:

Chris Locke (moderator) – Founder of Caribou Digital

Fadzai Madzingira – Policy Analyst with the Africa Public Policy team at Facebook

Zara Rahman – Research lead at The Engine Room

Yasmina Mccarty – Head of Mobile for Development at the GSMA