The Government is currently working on a Digital Transformation Bill, which includes plans to establish a Digital ID system that will move citizens’ personal information online.

Director of the Department of Communications and Digital Transformation, John Jack said Digital ID will be built from existing national ID data.

“Ninety-eight percent of Vanuatu citizens already have their records in the civil registry. Now we just need to convert it into a digital identity, the data is already there,” Mr Jack explained.

He said the government is aware of potential risks related to storing personal information online but assured that security systems are being designed to protect users.

“You log in with your national ID, and there will be a verification code sent to you or a facial recognition check to make sure it matches your national ID,” he said.

When asked about the country’s readiness to move into a digital system, Mr Jack admitted that digital literacy remains very low, but he believes it will improve over time.

“Our digital literacy is very low, but it’s growing. Families travelling to New Zealand (seasonal work) have contributed a lot to improving it , some use it the wrong way, some the right way , but it helps build our understanding.

“In the next 10 years, digital literacy in our workforce will be much stronger,” he added.

Consultations on the full bill have begun with key stakeholders in Port Vila, and the team will move to Luganville next.