The government will issue integrated electronic Smart Cards for multi-purpose use to every individual in Bahrain, starting early next year, said Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) Under-Secretary Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa. Work has already started on upgrading the government data network, which is one of the major requirements for the transformation to e-government, he told the GDN.
The project also includes programmes to create a national database, upgrading both hardware and software and to secure national data.
With the establishment of the e-government, all transactions will be transformed to electronic processes, not only between the government establishments or between citizens and the government, but between the various public and official establishments in the society as well as the private sector, said Shaikh Ahmed.
"The Smart Card, which will be issued to people in Bahrain, will be the first of its kind in the world," he noted.
"Malaysia and Finland have issued Smart Cards to their citizens, but they have incorporated limited features only.
"The integrated card to be issued in Bahrain will comprise the passport, ID card, the CPR card, the driving licence, the health file, the education file and the user's finger prints."
Information can be updated on the card in compliance with the highest standard of secrecy and security and the most important benefit is that it can be used to store money and make payments, said Shaikh Ahmed.
"The card has been designed to adapt to all changes that occur in the information or data throughout the person's life, as it is issued to a new born as well as an adult," he revealed.
"All the data related to the person can be updated without having to issue a new card.
"The most important characteristic of the card is the fact that only the owner of the card can use it since information will not be available unless the finger print of the person matches the one in the card's memory.
"This means that even if a person loses the card no one else can use it."
The card, which will replace the current CPR card and other ID cards, will be issued to both Bahrainis and expatriates, said Shaikh Ahmed.
Quelle: Guld Daily News
