TapTechNews May 30th news, Apple today announced that it will launch an identification function in Japan, which is the first time to be launched in a country other than the United States.
Apple plans to allow users living in Japan to use personal identification cards (TapTechNews note: similar to domestic ID cards) in Apple Wallet starting from next spring. Through this function, Japanese users can seamlessly add personal identification cards into the Apple Wallet of the iPhone and handle affairs such as public certification just like using a physical card, or access online administrative services through the My Portal iOS application.
Japan's Minister in Charge of Digital Transformation said, At present, more than 100 million people in Japan have applied for personal identification cards, which are widely used in various government and private online services, and can also use administrative services in more than 60,000 convenience stores, and can even play a role in disasters and first aid.
Apple said that when this function is available, users only need to open their wallet, select their personal identification card, double-click the side button of the iPhone, authenticate through FaceID or TouchID, and then bring the iPhone close to a contactless ID card reader to present the identification in person.
In terms of privacy, Apple said that they used a secure way to add and use the identification, and the information that the user showed in the past, such as when and where which personal information was shared, will be encrypted and only stored on the user's device, and Apple will not know the user's demonstration history.