During a meeting few years with Bill Gates at Davos, we had an insightful discussion on the necessity for people to control their digital identity. Bill, who has always been a visionary in the field of technology and philanthropy, shared his thoughts on the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their digital presence.
I began the discussion by highlighting the increasing amount of personal data that is being collected, stored, and shared across various online platforms. From social media profiles to online shopping habits and browsing history, our digital footprints are growing larger every day. I expressed concern about the lack of control individuals have over their own information, particularly when it comes to privacy and security.
We discussed how digital identities could be managed in a more decentralized manner, putting control back into the hands of individuals. I proposed the idea of a self-sovereign identity system under the user cintrol and consent, which would enable users to own, control, and share their data as they see fit. This system would rely on blockchain technology to ensure transparency, security, and immutability of data.
Furthermore, we talked about the implications of such a system for various industries, including finance, healthcare, and education. Bill emphasized that giving people control over their digital identity could lead to more personalized services, reduced fraud, and increased trust between users and service providers.
Additionally, we touched upon the role of government and private companies in fostering a digital identity ecosystem that respects individual privacy rights. Bill argued that collaboration between different stakeholders is crucial to create standards and regulations that protect users while enabling innovation.
As the meeting concluded, Bill and I agreed that empowering people to control their digital identity is not just a matter of privacy and security; it is also a fundamental human right. In a world where technology continues to transform our lives, ensuring that individuals have control over their digital identities will be essential for fostering trust, equity, and freedom in the digital age.
Few years later this subject is still not solved and despite the fact that technology is there users are still facing abuses.