Having just spent 21 days away in Western Samoa, and came across a member of the Samoan Government, who was completing a MSc thesis on digital identity and the issues surrounding faked identities. Her thesis identified the key issues - which are: Each person is identified by their Birth Certificate, which is based on their original given name; along with the Parents names and the Village they were born in. However, as time progresses, people move, marry or change their names etc or even move Village. The currently system does not cater for these changes, therefore identity theft, and faked IDs are thrive within Samoa. The same issues also face Maori communities here in New Zealand too, and this may be a common problem in other similar communities with tribal backgrounds around the world. The solution, she felt was the creation of a common digital identity for the whole nation, which she will submit to the Government of Samoa to take action upon.
Does others have similar stories or similar situations this occurs? Similar to approaches successfully completed in Estonia for instance. So you have issues with background cultures and the way that people live, the acceptance of change must also be trust earned over time. Once again a situation where by People, Processes and Technology has to be applied, but fully aware of the inherent business problems arising and not just via AML, KYC or just being able to nail a person actually true identity. Technology alone, although strongly pushed, often will not solve these inherent issues without a lot of cultural change and trust is gained through education, and underlying throughout the community.
A fascinating break, with limited digital exposure.
Regards
Caute_cautim
