Will the Physical ID Card Become a Thing of the Past? "Black Technology" Brings an Identity Revolution, How Should the Elderly Cope?

Will the Physical ID Card Become a Thing of the Past? "Black Technology" Brings an Identity Revolution, How Should the Elderly Cope?The second-generation ID card has become an integral part of our daily lives, but now news is emerging that it may be discontinued soon. Replacing it is an astonishing "black technology" that will fundamentally change the way we verify our identities

Will the Physical ID Card Become a Thing of the Past? "Black Technology" Brings an Identity Revolution, How Should the Elderly Cope?

The second-generation ID card has become an integral part of our daily lives, but now news is emerging that it may be discontinued soon. Replacing it is an astonishing "black technology" that will fundamentally change the way we verify our identities. While young people might adapt easily, this new technology may seem like an insurmountable mountain for the elderly. With constantly evolving technology, will the elderly be left behind? What exactly is this "black technology," and why are experts so optimistic about it? More importantly, how should the elderly face this impending transformation?

Identity Revolution in the Wake of the Technological Tidal Wave

In this fast-paced information age, our lifestyles are undergoing unprecedented changes. On December 25, 2017, Guangzhou City pioneered the launch of the country's first WeChat ID card, a move that was like a pebble dropped into a tranquil lake, sending out ripples. Within a few days, over 30,000 people registered for their electronic ID cards, a number that reflects not only people's acceptance of new things, but also signals a silent identity verification revolution quietly unfolding.

The advent of the electronic ID card has brought numerous conveniences to people's daily lives. Scenarios like travel, residency, and identity verification, which previously required physical ID cards, can now be easily handled with just a smartphone. This convenience not only saves time and effort but also significantly reduces the risk of identity information loss. Imagine how much easier life would become when you no longer have to worry about losing that small plastic card.

Digital Divide: The Elderly's Predicament

However, technological advancements often bring new challenges. The widespread adoption of electronic ID cards has sparked a series of discussions about safety, scope of application, and social fairness. One issue that cannot be ignored has surfaced: the potential predicament faced by the elderly in this digital wave.

As of the end of 2023, the number of people aged 60 and above in China has reached 296.97 million, accounting for 21.1% of the country's population. Of this vast group, only about 50% are proficient in using smartphones. This means that nearly 150 million elderly individuals may struggle to use the electronic ID card smoothly. For those who may never have touched a smart device before, suddenly being asked to adapt to the electronic ID card is like asking them to learn a completely new language. They may feel confused, anxious, and even a sense of helplessness at being left behind by society.

A 74-year-old man named Zhang Da-ye said helplessly, "I've never used any of these smart gadgets in my life. Now, they suddenly want me to use my phone instead of my ID card. I don't even know how to turn on my phone, let alone use it for such things."

This digital divide not only impacts the elderly's daily lives but also potentially widens the gap between them and society. Helping the elderly bridge this digital gap has become a challenge that all sectors of society need to address together. Some cities have already begun taking action, such as organizing volunteers to provide training on smartphone usage for the elderly, or establishing dedicated elderly service counters in public service areas. However, whether these measures are sufficient remains to be seen.

Security Concerns: The Double-Edged Sword of Electronic Identity

The convenience of the electronic ID card is undeniable, but its accompanying security risks should not be overlooked. In this era where data is money, the security of personal information has become more important than ever. As a carrier of the most core personal information, the electronic ID card naturally becomes a target of hackers and criminals.

In 2021, news about the Alipay electronic ID card being valid only in certain cities sparked widespread discussion. This not only exposed the limitations of the electronic ID card in terms of application scope but also highlighted the potential risks in terms of security. If hackers successfully infiltrate the system storing electronic ID card information, the consequences would be dire.

More concerningly, with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, some advanced AI systems can already perform incredible facial reconstruction. This means that criminals could use AI technology to "copy" other people's electronic faces, thereby perpetrating identity fraud. A cybersecurity expert warned, "We are in an era of rapid technological development, but our security awareness and protective measures may not be keeping pace with this speed."

In the face of these potential risks, relevant authorities are actively taking steps. The National Standardization Administration has successively released a series of national standards such as "Electronic Certificate Mark Specification" and "Electronic Certificate File Technical Requirements," aiming to regulate the use and management of electronic ID cards. However, in this game of cat and mouse with hackers and criminals, we still have a long way to go.

Coexistence: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Faced with the opportunities and challenges brought by electronic ID cards, completely replacing physical ID cards may not be wise. While physical ID cards may seem "outdated," their stability and universality remain undeniable advantages. Especially in remote areas or places with unstable network signals, the value of physical ID cards is even more prominent.

In 2018, CCTV media responded to the question of whether electronic ID cards could completely replace physical ID cards, stating that this process would still take time. This cautious approach reflects the decision-makers' careful consideration of the issue. After all, in a country with vast territory and uneven development levels, any policy change involving the entire population requires thorough consideration of all aspects.

The coexistence of physical and electronic ID cards is not just a transitional arrangement but also a wise way to cater to the needs of different groups. For young people and technology enthusiasts, electronic ID cards are undoubtedly a convenience; for the elderly or those who are not accustomed to using smart devices, physical ID cards become a crucial credential for their social integration.

This coexistence model also provides us with more choices and safeguards. Just as we retain physical bank cards while using online banking, the coexistence of physical and electronic ID cards offers double protection for our identity verification.

Future Outlook: A New Era of Identity Verification

As technology continues to advance, our methods of identity verification are also constantly being explored and innovated. The development of biometric technology has opened up new possibilities for identity verification. Fingerprint recognition, iris scanning, and even DNA authentication, technologies once confined to science fiction movies, are gradually becoming a reality.

Future identity verification systems may be the fusion of various technologies. Imagine walking into a public space, where the system verifies your identity through facial recognition while simultaneously authenticating your electronic ID card through your smart device. In situations requiring higher security levels, you may need to provide fingerprint or iris scans. This multi-factor authentication can significantly enhance security while providing flexible verification solutions for different scenarios.

However, technological progress is not without its hurdles. We still need to address a series of issues such as privacy protection, data security, and legal regulations. Finding a balance between convenience and security, ensuring that every citizen can enjoy the benefits of technological advancement fairlythese are questions we need to ponder and discuss deeply.

The future of identity verification is not only about technological development but also about the rights of every individual and social justice. In this rapidly changing era, we need to maintain an open and inclusive attitude, actively embrace the opportunities brought by new technologies, while also cautiously addressing potential challenges. Only then can we truly usher in a new era of identity verification that is more secure, convenient, and equitable.

Conclusion

In this revolution of identity verification, we have witnessed the convenience brought by technology, but also faced the challenges that come with it. The emergence of the electronic ID card has brought unprecedented convenience to our lives, but it has also triggered deep reflection on security, fairness, and inclusivity. The coexistence of physical and electronic ID cards is not just a temporary measure but a wise choice.

Looking ahead, we need to seek balance between innovation and tradition, convenience and security, ensuring that every citizen finds their place in this digital wave.

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