Australia’s digital ID system raises concerns for First Nations people’s access

The Australian government is rolling out a new digital ID system to streamline online transactions and enhance security. However, this move has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for First Nations people who have historically faced obstacles in obtaining essential official documents for digital ID verification.

Adding to the unease, the Digital ID Act, set to come into effect soon, could exacerbate exclusion for Indigenous communities. The Act’s prohibition on collecting racial or ethnic origin information contributes to a system that lacks cultural sensitivity. Critics point out that facial recognition technology, a cornerstone of the system, ignores Indigenous naming traditions and struggles with accuracy for darker skin tones and facial tattoos. 

Despite assurances from the government and the voluntary nature of the proposed digital ID system, there’s a fear that traditional identification methods might eventually be phased out, further marginalising Indigenous peoples. Nevertheless, there’s some optimism in initiatives like the Wuna digital wallet, which seeks to provide Indigenous communities with a secure means of accessing their IDs while safeguarding their cultural heritage.

Why does it matter?

Implementing digital ID systems worldwide has raised concerns over human rights implications. Apart from the Australian example, the nationwide biometric initiative launched in Ethiopia last year also prompted critics to warn of potential misuse of personal data, particularly in a country with a history of ethnic conflicts. The case highlights the importance of comprehensive regulation prioritising safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms, thus preventing technological advancements from compromising them.