Apple recently launched its new “Digital ID” feature, which allows iPhone users to upload their passport information and store it in the Apple Wallet. This feature is available to U.S. residents and enables them to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports.
To set it up, users need to scan their valid U.S. passport’s photo page and chip, and complete a selfie for verification. While this technology makes it easier to show ID at domestic locations, it cannot be used for international travel or with passports from other countries. It’s important to note that this Digital ID is not intended to replace physical passports.
Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Wallet, Jennifer Bailey, emphasized that this Digital ID aims to enhance user convenience by securely presenting identity information. Furthermore, the Digital ID feature allows air travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to still show identification.
However, some experts have raised concerns about the implications of centralizing identification in a digital format. Ray Vahey, the founder of BitChute, expressed his worries, pointing out that this trend could lead to mandatory digital identity systems globally, similar to those being adopted in Europe and Australia. He argued that as identification becomes a gateway to more activities, it raises questions about who holds control over access to society and what happens if individuals find themselves locked out.
Setting up the Digital ID on an iPhone is straightforward:
1. Open the Wallet app.
2. Tap the “+” button.
3. Select “Driver’s License or ID Cards,” then “Digital ID.”
4. Follow the prompts to scan the passport and verify biometrically.
As our world becomes increasingly reliant on digital solutions, it’s essential to stay informed and consider the balance between convenience and personal freedom.
