Japan to use smartphones in place of national ID cards

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Japan to use smartphones in place of national ID cards

Japan to use smartphones in place of national ID cards

People in Japan with a “My Number” will be able use their smartphone instead of the card when they have public interactions like municipal or tax offices. (AFP)

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30 May 2024 06:05:26 GMT9

TOKYO: Japanese citizens will begin using their iPhones instead of a physical national ID card, which is called “My Number,” from next spring.

The government announced this change after the same function was added to Android smartphones this month.

Japan’s Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio and Apple’s CEO Tim Cook confirmed the new system during a teleconference on Thursday, Chief Cabinet Secretary HAYASHI Yoshimasa told a press conference.

People in Japan with a “My Number” will be able use their smartphone instead of the card when they have public interactions like municipal or tax offices.

According to government sources, Kishida asked Cook to allow iPhones to perform the functions of the “My Number” card during a December 2022 meeting.

The Japanese government explained that the cards online will make it easier for holders to obtain official documents or apply for government services online.

There are also plans to remove the current health insurance certificates and integrate them with the “My Number” cards in December.

A similar scheme is in place for driving licenses by March 2025.

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