ID2020 certifies Zaka Group for user-centric and privacy protecting digital ID technology

ID2020 has named UK company Zaka Group as its third digital solution certified for user empowerment and privacy protection, Ethan Veneklasen, the group’s head of advocacy and communications announced on LinkedIn.

“Digital ID can be a powerful force multiplier for global social and economic development, but it can also be used to exclude people or even persecute vulnerable populations like refugees, children, and the homeless,” ID2020 Executive Director Dakota Gruener said in a prepared statement. “As governments and businesses rush to adopt digital ID solutions, the ID2020 Certification is proving a valuable tool for those who are developing user-centric, privacy-protecting solutions to meet the needs of all people.”

With over one billion people worldwide not included in the economy due to a lack of formal ID, ID2020 announced in 2019 its intention to introduce a certification mark for digital ID to recognize technologies that abide by the organization’s highest “standards for user-management, privacy-protection, portability, and interoperability” to develop an inclusive digital ID.

“We are delighted to receive the ID2020 Certification,” said Zaka CEO and Co-Founder Nick Mason, in a prepared statement. “We expect a great return on our investment of time and resources in this process and look forward to using the Certification to set ZAKA apart from our competition. The rigorous evaluation of our company by ID2020 should give prospective partners confidence that our solution is meeting global standards and advancing the vital mission of bringing “good ID” to all.”

In order to be considered, applicants must comply with 41 Technical Requirements. According to the announcement 29 technology companies have already applied and are working with ID2020 team and advisory board to finalize their applications. Kiva Protocol and Gravity are the first two certified solutions, the organization announced in March.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, governments have shown significant interest in digital ID technology, as they work towards developing contact tracing apps and digital health credentials.

Zaka’s mobile app and software development kit provides verifiable digital credentials that users can connect with mobile health, financial services and educational institutions, among others. Service providers can use the dashboard to remotely verify and onboard customers, ensuring digital trust.

The company’s product portfolio includes proprietary voice biometric technology that can be rolled out either with or separately from the apps. Zaka’s NewNorm service has been chosen by some U.S.-based universities, companies and event organizers to smooth the going back to work process. The company’s technology has also been rolled out in Turkey, Rwanda and the U.S.

Zaka is also working the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide refugees with verifiable digital ID credentials. It has partnered with Airtel and private and public sector partners in Rwanda to roll out a voice biometrics solution for remote customer verification, which can be used by banks, telcos and healthcare providers.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  certification  |  credentials  |  digital identity  |  ID2020  |  identity verification  |  mobile app  |  privacy  |  SDK