The broad deployment of digital IDs raises concerns about civil liberties, both online and offline. A significant risk is the potential for government issuers, such as local DMVs or passport offices, to track when and where these digital IDs are used. This capability could allow governments to know each time a person enters a bar, collects medication, or visits adult websites. The implications of such surveillance are particularly concerning in the context of rising authoritarianism.
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has joined with others from the digital identity community—including civil society groups, industry representatives, and technical experts—to sign the No Phone Home statement. This initiative advocates against any system that enables tracking usage of digital IDs due to its potential for misuse.
Governments and those involved in implementing these systems are urged to ensure that designs prevent phoning home capabilities.
Read the full statement.