Dual Mobile DIS System

Multifaceted approach to digital identity systems implementation with privacy in mind.

1. Utilization of a global SMS based communications technology (with database support).

2. Progressive Web Apps utilization.

3. Large Screen Identity Capture Mobile Center.

Design: Using the global SMS communications technology, users in developing nations will be sent a message to their mobile device (phone) briefly explaining the use(s) of a digital identification system to them. Each Digital identification systems database will be unique to a particular country and its citizens. Users will be asked to register the following details if they decide to proceed;

• First Name
• Middle Name
• Last Name
• Mobile Number
• A unique 4 digit code (Numbers from 0-9) to be memorized.

After the following is sent to their respective Government’s DIS database, users get a confirmation message sent to their mobile number as a means of authentication. Users will reply yes to the message to proceed or no to stop.

PS – Users will receive a SMS/notification message that they must input their unique 4 digit code plus any of the first 3 letters of their first, middle or last name next time they wish to add a new piece of information, correct/modify previous information stored in the DIS database. The user input will be verified with what is stored in the DIS database before the data is modified.

After this initial stage users will be sent follow up messages enabling them to fill up the rest of their database information at their own time. Such as; Profile picture, Birth date, Birth Certificate, Marital status, Blood type, address etc. For individuals that can’t upload profile pictures, they can report to the closest National identification office in their respective countries to do so.

Design (Verification): To prove their identity on the DIS and prevent users from submitting any false information, users must upload any of the following documents before their data in the DIS is officially recognized;

• Birth Certificate
• National I.D
• International Passport

For users that utilize the global SMS based communications technology, they have to report to the closest National Identification Office with the original (copy) of the above documents for verification.

Design (Progressive Web Applications): PWA’s provide a graphical user interface for users that have access to smartphones. PWA’s are more cost effective as one build can work on multiple platforms, unlike native apps that work for one specific platform (Android OS, Apple iOS and Windows Phone OS).

Deploying PWA’s will alter some parts of the design, such as;

• Users will have the privilege of uploading required documents for verification of identity as PWA’s offer this service.

Design (Large Screen Identity Capture Mobile Center): This is just an additional method of capturing user data across the country. This are large screens equipped with the ability to take snapshots of citizens and allow them input their data graphically.

• They can be employed in cities and towns for users, this reduces the need for people to report to National identification offices.
• They can be fitted to vehicles, enabling the mobile capture center to cover large areas by road transportation.

The solution makes use of the SMS communications technology in mobile device systems that is wide spread in developing nations and currently in use by telecom companies. This provides scalability and reduces cost of implementation.

Users can walk up to the mobile center and interact with the system graphically and be guided by operators in vehicles or by short tutorial videos.

The solution provides multiple methods to solve the problem and engage users.

Randomized UIN for users and fixed UIN for registered organizations/3rd parties.

By design and for security purposes, the four digit identification code will be combined randomly with the first 3 letters of the first name, middle name and last name. This will be the UIN for each user registered in the database system. A user can modify/add any new information they wish to their data, but must input their 4 digit code and any of the first 3 letters of their first name, middle name or last name to submit the information at each instance. Every 4 months, users will be sent a request to change their unique 4 digit code.

All organizations/3rd parties that access the user’s DIS data must be officially recognized by the country and registered to ensure an easy way to trace/log all access to user’s data. Each organization will be assigned a unique hexadecimal 12 digit code, which can never be changed. Every time an organization requires access to a user’s data, the specified user receives a SMS message/notification. This way users know who exactly is accessing their data. Organizations must clearly state the purpose for requesting the user’s data every time access is requested.

Developing countries can implement the solution into their centralized government database systems. Considering the organizations/3rd parties have to be recognized and registered to access user data, a centralized database system is better. A decentralized database system may not be feasible as not all users have access to smartphones with such cryptographic capabilities. 

Governments can utilize the SMS technology of mobile device-systems of telecom companies operating in their various countries.

The Progressive Web Applications (PWA'S) will have to be implemented from scratch. The advantage of PWA'S is that they work on all major mobile platforms. Only one build is necessary for Android OS, Apple iOS and Windows Phone OS. This provides users with a GUI for easy user input.

The mobile center is just a larger version of the Progressive Web Applications (PWA’S) with a big screen with camera functionalities and bio-metric capture capabilities. A few mobile centers can be created for strategic locations only in order to reduce costs.

I took into consideration the possible low literacy levels of the users, as well as those who are at the mid - high literacy levels and the income levels of users in developing nations. This is the reason for progressive web apps, as some users possess the required literacy levels and may have access to smartphones with GUI capabilities.

A mobile center makes it easier and more accessible to users not living in cities/towns but in rural areas. They will be guided by short tutorial videos. For the mobile centers fitted into vehicles, users will be guided by vehicle operators. 

Considering this solution is at the idea stage, the above functionalities will be implemented to ensure interoperability.

The solution will be open source and APIs will be provided for integration with other verified systems for data portability.

Using the SMS communications technology ensures that data is not required for the system to function. Most users in developing nations will make use of this method as the literacy level and numeracy levels required are basic. Most individuals in these countries are already adept at text messaging. Users are briefly introduced to the DIS system before using the SMS method.

Progressive Web Apps make use of service workers and can work offline. Little data and internet connectivity is required for it to function.

Tutorial videos and mobile operators are made available to users of the mobile centers.

As more people make use of the system in their countries and develop a level of trust with the system. The future vision is to enable individuals share information with other individuals and organizations across country borders in all developing nations securely.

In 3 years’ time, individuals should be able to carry out economic activities across all fields online with other individuals. Our goal is to enable individual’s access to high value services by ensuring their identities are authenticated, verified and secure in their respective countries. 

None for now.

The team comprises of visionary and creative individuals who excel at mobile app development and innovative thinking.

We have the marketing skills, connections and experience to attract the resources needed. A prototype of the idea is feasible if we have the right funding as we have a strong development team we can partner with.

The potential revenue model will be based on a yearly charge of 3 dollars for each registered user that has used the services at least once after registration and verification.

The revenue will be split between the telecom industry for their mobile service provision and the countries government. 60% will go to the telecom industry providers while 40% will go to the government for the maintenance of the digital identification solution systems database in each country.

The revenue goal is sustainability not profitability.

My submission to the Billion challenge is focused on getting an idea out to the general public that I strongly belief has the potential to actually work in developing countries. Regardless of the outcome of my submission, I am alright knowing that my ideas and contributions can make a positive impact to developing societies and anyone interested in the work been done on this platform. Also, the idea meets the criteria set forth by the challenge, like feasibility.

The Mission Billion challenge provides global exposure and a platform to potential funding.

Barriers to solution include the following; Funding and slow implementation of idea by Government Agencies.

Funding can be solved if the right sponsors support the idea and slow implementation of Government agencies can be solved if the prototype of the idea is successfully implemented in some countries (Argentina, Nigeria and Ghana) with relative success.