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The Government has proposed to introduce in 2003 a new generation of identity card (ID card) which takes the form of a smart card with the capacity to support multiple applications, the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, said today (October 19).
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Mrs Ip explained that there was an urgent need to replace existing ID cards because they were no longer forgery-proof and the existing supporting computer system had become aged and would reach the end of its life expectancy by the end of 2002.
She said the proposal to introduce a new ID card and a new supporting computer system in early 2003 had been endorsed by the Chief Executive in Council, subject to the provision of the necessary funds by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council and the necessary legislative amendments.
The Chief Executive in Council also endorsed in principle that a multi-application smart ID card scheme, to be implemented in an incremented manner, should be announced for public consultation.
"After the new supporting computer system is up and running, it is proposed that a region-wide ID card replacement exercise will be conducted by phases around mid-2003 and be completed within four years," she went on.
Mrs Ip pointed out that following a feasibility study, the Administration had concluded that a smart ID card was preferable to a non-smart ID card.
"Adoption of a smart ID card will bring many benefits to the community as a whole and the Immigration Department," she said.
She explained that with the use of a smart card, more sophisticated cryptographic techniques could be employed to protect the data and avoid fraudulent alterations. It could also facilitate efficient and secure authentication of the card holder's identity.
Besides, immigration officers would be able to update a temporary resident's conditions of stay readily. In anti-illegal immigration operations, law enforcement officers in the field can use a special reader to confirm instantly whether a person's permission to stay was valid without holding him up for further checks.
"More importantly, a smart card with biometric data stored on it will lay the foundation for the Immigration Department to introduce automated passenger clearance system in future which will bring benefits to the travelling public as more immigration counters can be opened without increase of manpower," Mrs Ip said.
The ID card replacement exercise also presents the Government with a unique opportunity to capitalize on the development of smart card technology for providing more efficient, better quality and value-added services to the Community.
In addition, the implementation of a smart ID card scheme will be a significant step forward in enhancing our overall information infrastructure and in keeping Hong Kong in the forefront of world information technology development.
Turning to the multi-application capacity of the proposed new ID card, Mrs Ip said subject to separate feasibility studies and further consultations, the smart ID card would enable the public to have the convenience of using one card for various functions.
She went on to explain that depending on results of the feasibility studies to be conducted and public views, the smart ID card initially might incorporate the following three categories of additional applications:
- Electronic authentication:
The smart ID card can be used as a means of authentication and access for Government services that require user authentication. Initially, the smart ID card can be used as driving licence, for reporting change of address to specified departments through information kiosks installed in popular public locations, and as a library card.
- Digital certificate:
Capacity can be reserved to install digital certificates in the smart ID card. With the use of digital certificate (electronic identity card issued by certification authority), we can carry out electronic transactions in a secure manner and can address the common concerns of authentication, integrity, confidentiality and non-repudiation in e-commerce; and
- Enhancement of financial infrastructure
By reserving capacity in the smart ID card, we can explore the use of the ID card for various financial applications e.g. the use of the ID card for issuing e-money and for electronic payment by installing an e-purse in the card, should these applications be required on monetary policy or public interest grounds in future.
As the use of a smart ID card with multi-application capacity might give rise to data privacy concerns, Mrs Ip said the Immigration Department would conduct Privacy Impact Assessments at various stages of the project with a view to incorporating adequate privacy safeguards into the system. Besides, the Government would continue to maintain a close dialogue with the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.
"The Government will take every necessary measure to ensure that the right of individuals to preserve the privacy of their personal data is protected in accordance with law and the data privacy principles," Mrs Ip stressed.
She pointed out that the Immigration Department had already commissioned an experienced consulting firm to design the layout and card face design of the new ID cards. So far six card design proposals have been prepared. All the proposals contain the latest security features which are known to be very effective against copying, alteration and forgery.
It is estimated that the total cost of the smart ID card project will amount to $3.06 billion.
In the coming month, the Government will, apart from briefing the relevant Legislative Council Panels, brief all the 18 District Councils to explain the features of the proposed smart ID card and the measures to be taken to protect data privacy, and to solicit views on card face design.
Besides, exhibitions will be staged in shopping malls where videos will be shown, posters will be displayed and information leaflets on the new ID card will be distributed. A web site giving details of proposals for the new ID card will be created and the public will be invited to give their views.
End/Thursday, October 19, 2000
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