With the UK preparing to introduce mandatory digital ID for workers by 2029, many are asking the question: who will be next? The reality is that digital identity systems are not a futuristic idea anymore—they are already here, spreading rapidly across the globe. Different regions are moving at different speeds, but the direction of travel is clear.
Read More: UK Will Implement Digital ID By 2029
Europe: United by Regulation
The European Union is pushing ahead with its own version of digital identity. Under a regulation passed in 2024, all 27 member states must provide citizens with a Digital Identity Wallet by 2026. This app-like system will allow people to store and share official documents across the EU, from passports to driving licenses. Some countries, such as Estonia and Denmark, are already ahead of the game, with long-running digital ID schemes that have set the standard for others.
Asia: Scale and Centralisation
Asia has some of the most ambitious digital ID systems in the world. India’s Aadhaar program, launched in 2010, now covers more than 1.3 billion people and is used for everything from banking to government services. China has introduced a national internet ID system, while Japan’s “MyNumber” ID has even been integrated into Apple Wallet. Meanwhile, countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Pakistan are also building or expanding nationwide digital ID frameworks.
North America: Patchwork Progress
The picture looks different in North America. In Canada, a countrywide system is in the planning stage, with an emphasis on voluntary participation and collaboration between the public and private sectors. The United States is taking a more fragmented approach, with state-level projects like mobile driver’s licenses already live in some states, and many more gearing up for rollout.
Africa: Growth on the Horizon
Africa is rapidly emerging as a region of expansion for digital IDs. Nigeria has already registered over 100 million people, with a goal of reaching 148 million by mid-2024, supported by the World Bank. Ethiopia recently launched its own program, called Fayda, and other countries across the continent are running pilot schemes or planning national rollouts.
Australasia: Structured Rollouts
Australia has passed the Digital ID Act 2024, which sets a legal framework for a voluntary national system. Its government-backed myID app is already in use, with plans to expand to private-sector services in the future.
What This Means Globally
The UK may be in the spotlight now, but the reality is that digital IDs are becoming a global norm. Some countries are moving towards mandatory schemes tied to work and migration policy, while others are opting for voluntary, federated models. Whether the focus is security, convenience, or economic modernisation, one thing is certain: the UK is not alone, and the question is less about who’s next and more about how fast the rest will follow.