“Digital identity” is not a new term, but the perspective from which it is being looked at is. Until a few years ago, when we thought about digital identity we were referring to credentials (or users and passwords); Today, the use of artificial intelligence is distorting several concepts and including new variables and new methods to validate an identity.
Data from the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) indicate that more than 60% of banking transactions are carried out through digital channels, which includes the use of biometric authentication and other digital identity methods to guarantee security.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, more than 80% of the Argentine population already has the National Identity Document (DNI) in digital format. This allows citizens to carry out online transactions and access public services safely. Today, the digital platform “My Argentina”, which centralizes services and personal documents In one place, it has more than 17 million registered users. This platform allows access to digital ID, vehicle registrations, health services, among others.
For its part, a study by the Argentine Chamber of Electronic Commerce (CACE) indicates that in 2023, more than 80% of e-commerce users in Argentina used some type of advanced digital authentication (such as double authentication factor or biometric verification). to make online purchases.
And, although identity fraud arises through the use of AI, New certification methods are expected, something that many companies are basically working on, so that the ID is like a DNI.
Although digital identity is more advanced in issues related to electronic commerce, the financial and banking industry, in the organizational framework, it is essential to have tools that allow for faster verification. Currently there are tools that allow you to verify if something was generated by artificial intelligence or not.
The use of AI was essential to achieve great advances in a short time. However, it also involves a process that requires freeing yourself from prejudices and looking forward. When the calculator was invented, it was believed to be a “brain killer” because mathematics is for thinking and the calculator solved the equation in an instant.; Today it can be used at all school levels and even in universities, because what takes precedence is development and resolution capacity, not calculation itself. Thus, humanity continued to evolve at a faster speed with the use of the calculator.
Then, the same thing happened with the computer, it was believed that it was going to take away many people’s jobs. Throughout history, tools emerged that were demonized because it was believed that they threatened our own work. But they later demonstrated their ability to collaborate with tasks, there was no replacement.
We don’t know what will happen in 10 or 15 years and if a technology emerges that takes control of everything. But, from the background, we can see that every time there was a technological innovation of great impact, the possibility that humanity was going to lose control was questioned. And it wasn’t, humanity was just evolving.
Faced with the crisis due to the intervention of AI in digital identity, we only have to remember that there have always been fakes, more or less crude. Before, to forge an identity, an ID was falsified, people put on a mustache, dyed their hair, put on glasses with a different eye color. There have always been falsifications, but mechanisms also emerged that allowed us to determine whether a person was really who they said they were. Progressively, everything became more sophisticated. Currently, this has advanced so much that it is now about biometric crossings: we are in a transition period.
There is still questioning about the usefulness of the tools that rely on generative AI, generating debates about the authenticity of the results obtained, when in reality it is a solution for general problems about which there is already knowledge.
So, it is an issue of trust, something that will become distorted as time goes by and we learn to use those tools.
Gradually, these tools are being incorporated into the work, because they also help to improve results. We are already on that path.
* MCA Sales Director of F5 LATAM, a global company that offers technologies for the delivery, security, performance and availability of web applications and other network components
What are the key trends in digital identity development influenced by artificial intelligence?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Digital Identity Expert
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today! We’re diving into an incredibly relevant topic—digital identity. To begin, could you clarify how the understanding of digital identity has evolved, especially in light of recent developments in artificial intelligence?
Expert: Good morning! It’s great to be here. Digital identity has indeed evolved significantly. Previously, the concept revolved mainly around simple credentials—think usernames and passwords. However, with the integration of artificial intelligence, we’re now dealing with a much more complex landscape. AI is introducing new methods and variables for validating identity that go beyond traditional credentials, making it both more secure and more versatile.
Editor: That’s fascinating. I read that over 60% of banking transactions in Argentina are carried out via digital channels. How does the current use of biometric authentication fit into this trend?
Expert: Exactly! The data from the Central Bank of Argentina highlights a critical shift towards digital transactions. Biometric authentication—like fingerprint scans and facial recognition—has become paramount in this movement. Not only does it provide a higher level of security, but it also simplifies the user experience. People prefer the convenience of using their biometric traits over remembering complex passwords.
Editor: It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Speaking of changes, I learned that over 80% of Argentinians now have a digital format for their National Identity Document. How does “My Argentina” fit into this digital identity framework?
Expert: “My Argentina” is a significant step toward centralizing and digitizing various services and documents. With more than 17 million registered users, this platform serves as a digital hub where citizens can access their digital IDs, vehicle registrations, health services, and more. This not only streamlines processes but also enhances security across online transactions and public services.
Editor: Given these advancements, there are concerns about identity fraud, especially with the rise of AI. Can you elaborate on the certification methods that are currently under development?
Expert: Sure! While AI has the potential to facilitate identity fraud, it has also prompted companies and organizations to innovate in terms of certification methods. The goal is to create standards that make digital IDs as secure as physical documents, like the DNI. Techniques like advanced digital authentication—be it multi-factor authentication or sophisticated biometric verification—are now becoming essential for safe online transactions.
Editor: It’s exciting to think about the future of technology in this space! You’ve mentioned historical shifts before, like the introduction of calculators and computers. Can you draw parallels? What can we learn from those past concerns about new technology?
Expert: Absolutely! History teaches us that every new technology is typically met with skepticism and fear. When calculators and computers emerged, there were widespread fears about job losses and a decline in critical skills. However, as we know now, these tools have ultimately enhanced efficiency and collaboration rather than replacing human capabilities. The relationship between technology and work is more about partnership than replacement.
Editor: So, looking forward to the next 10 to 15 years, what should we be prepared for as technology continues to evolve?
Expert: It’s hard to predict exactly what will happen, but if history is any guide, we should remain open-minded. New technologies will emerge, and it’s crucial that we adapt and find ways to utilize them effectively. The key takeaway should be that while there may be challenges, our ability to leverage new tools for advancement—just like with calculators and computers—will define our progress.
Editor: Wise words to end on. Thank you so much for sharing your insights on digital identity and the role of technology. It’s clear we have a lot to look forward to!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time, and I’m glad to share these insights with your audience.