The UN Is Using Africa as a Testing Ground for Controversial Digital ID Systems

by Didi Rankovic | Reclaim The Net

The United Nations (but not only) has clearly chosen to focus its push on introducing digital ID systems to some of the world’s developing countries, particularly in Africa.

What’s referred to in reports as “a comprehensive initiative” is now taking place across the continent, driven by the UN development agency UNDP, as well as the UN Innovation Network, and even UNESCO (Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). This is one of the components of what’s known as the UN’s Global Digital Compact.

Such initiatives are sold in those countries as a way to develop better access to services and improve “digital inclusion.”

But opponents around the world say the schemes create large, centralized surveillance networks prone to misuse, particularly without stringent safeguards in place. Read Full Article >