The government has submitted the Digital Identity Bill to Parliament to establish and regulate a national digital identity system.

The bill was presented on behalf of the government by Alifushi constituency MP Abdulla Latheef Abdul Rahman.

According to the bill, the digital identity system will provide a secure framework for verifying identities during online transactions and when accessing services from government institutions, legal entities and other service providers. It also sets out the rules and procedures required to operate the system.

The legislation will apply to Maldivian citizens living both in the Maldives and abroad, individuals seeking permission to reside in the country, and organisations providing online services connected to the Maldives.

The bill also proposes the establishment of a Digital Identity Technical Advisory Committee to oversee and support the development of the system. The committee must be formed within 90 days of the law coming into force and will be appointed by the minister responsible for the sector.

The committee will include representatives from the relevant ministry, Digital Services, the Department of National Registration, and other entities designated under the proposed law to provide identity-related information.