On September 16th, Thales marks International Identity Day (ID Day), a global initiative dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which aims to ensure legal identity for every individual. ID Day aims to highlight the critical role of secure, legal identity as a fundamental human right and a vital catalyst for both social and economic inclusion. Thales is at the forefront of supporting international efforts to provide trusted and secure identities for all.
As a frontrunner in secure physical and biometric identification, Thales has made significant contributions to initiatives that align with the UN’s objectives, especially focusing on birth registration by 2030. The World Bank’s 2023 ID4D (Identification for Development) report reveals that more than 850 million individuals globally still do not possess an official form of identification. This is an improvement from 2020, when 1 billion individuals were without legal identification, reflecting the impact of global action to address the issue.
The Critical Role of Legal Identity
International ID Day underscores the importance of legal identity, highlighting its far-reaching benefits for individuals and communities. A legal identity provides access to essential services, enhances social inclusion, and facilitates economic participation. Recognised as the top provider of digital identity solutions by Juniper Research (in its 2024 Competitor Leaderboard), Thales advocates for a future where every person can secure a trusted identity, ensuring no one is excluded.
International ID Day serves as an essential reminder that identity is a core human right. In our increasingly connected world, a secure and trusted legal ID is essential for accessing services, safeguarding rights, and promoting economic growth. At Thales, we are committed to advancing biometric and digital identity innovations, empowering individuals to claim their rightful place in society. Our vision is a future where identity is not only secure but inclusive and universally acknowledged,” said Youzec Kurp, VP Identity and Biometrics Solutions at Thales Group.
Secure Identity: More Than Just a Document
A secure identity is not just a physical or digital document; it is a pathway to opportunities and a foundation of trust in today’s digital age. Thales’ biometric and digital ID solutions meet the highest standards of security, ensuring that personal data is protected while enabling smooth access to services and enhancing mobility.
Thales’ biometrics approach, known as TrUE Biometrics (Transparent, Understandable, Ethical), ensures that the company’s solutions maintain the delicate balance between security and convenience. As digital transformation continues to reshape societies, Thales remains a responsible and transparent partner, dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits and risks of biometric technologies. Through its innovations, Thales ensures that identity solutions are not only secure but also ethical and widely accessible.
Leading the Way Toward Universal Identity
As global momentum builds around the importance of legal identity, Thales continues to support initiatives that bring secure, trusted, and ethical identity solutions to the forefront. The company’s commitment to innovation and security is helping pave the way toward a future where every individual can benefit from the power of a legal identity, promoting social inclusion and economic growth worldwide.
