No Secrets, No Sovereignty: The Case for Radical Transparency in Identity Systems
Proposal: A Transparency-First Framework as a Prerequisite for Digital Identity Systems [Part 2] Author & Complied: Jerry Joy Abstract Digital identity systems have emerged as critical instruments for modern governance, enabling efficient access to healthcare, financial, and public services. Yet the global rush toward implementation has outpaced the development of foundational transparency and accountability frameworks . This proposal argues that transparency must precede technology — serving as a prerequisite, not an afterthought. Drawing upon global studies on digital public infrastructure (World Bank, 2024; OECD, 2024) and public trust metrics, it outlines a comprehensive Transparency-First Framework designed to safeguard autonomy, equity, and democratic oversight. The proposal concludes that institutionalizing transparency is essential to converting digital identity from a potential surveillance tool into an engine of citizen empowerment. 1.0 Introduction: Ref...