Letters | Hong Kong should aim to get more out of HK$3 billion smart ID cards

The ID cards could be better integrated with other smart-city initiatives to give residents access to more e-services and functions through this one card

Reading Time:2 minutes

An elderly Hongkonger chooses the picture for her replacement smart ID card in June 2019. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 7:00am, 29 Jun 2020Updated: 7:00am, 29 Jun 2020

At the end of 2018, the Immigration Department launched its Hong Kong identity card replacement scheme that will serve 8.8 million residents through nine replacement centres across the city over four years. The scheme is primarily concerned with the security and integrity of the ID cards, thus the first batch of replacements was offered to residents born in 1985 and 1986, as their current ID cards – received in 2003 – were the most vulnerable.

Yet, it is difficult to justify the nearly HK$3 billion cost of the scheme based on security concerns alone. The government should take this opportunity to strengthen the role of the smart ID cards in consolidating various smart city efforts and projects.

While the Immigration Department is responsible for implementing the replacement scheme, the Innovation and Technology Bureau should set up a team to oversee how the new ID cards can serve residents through a range of smart city initiatives.

First, it should review the services currently available with the existing ID cards.

To answer our query about the number of current ID card holders using electronic services, the bureau had to collect and compile data from various government departments – indicating a lack of regular data sharing within the government. The figures from the bureau suggest that more promotional efforts are needed for e-services – for example, fewer than 30 valid Hongkong Post personal e-certificates have so far been carried in ID cards.

Although the new smart ID cards can support “contactless” chip interface for a range of new e-services, the Innovation and Technology Bureau has yet to develop a systematic plan on what specific new services could be provided for the new ID card holders.