The People's Majlis has opened the Digital Identity Bill for public comment, inviting submissions before the legislation proceeds through the committee stage.

The bill, submitted by Alifushi MP Abdul Latheef Abdul Rahman on behalf of the Government, was accepted by Parliament on 6 July and referred to the Information and Communications Committee.

The Majlis announced that members of the public can submit comments on the bill by email or in writing to the Parliament Secretariat before 2:00 p.m. on 3 August.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a national digital identity system that enables secure identity verification for online transactions and access to services provided by government institutions, businesses and other organisations.

The bill would apply to Maldivian citizens living both in the Maldives and abroad, individuals applying for permission to reside in the Maldives, and providers of online services operating in or connected to the Maldives.

It also proposes the establishment of a Digital Identity Technical Advisory Committee to oversee the development and implementation of the digital identity system. The committee is to be formed within 90 days of the law coming into force and will comprise representatives from the relevant ministry, Digital Services, the Department of National Registration, and other designated identity information providers.