Nadra, the National Database and Registration Authority, launched Pakistan’s first data protection service called “Ijazat Aap Ki” on March 2, 2023. Citizens will be able to give their consent prior to the verification of their identity cards, ensuring their personal information is safe and secure.
Through this initiative, Nadra aims to give citizens power over their personal data, allowing them to control access and protect their information from misuse or unwarranted use.
Tariq Malik, the chairman of Nadra, emphasised the importance of citizens maintaining vigilance in protecting their personal information and taking all necessary precautions to avoid fraud and identity theft. Malik explained that before using customers’ personal information, service providers like banks will get their consent through a 6-digit passcode. The citizen’s consent to have their ID number verified by Nadra will be assumed when the pin number is presented for authentication.
Nadra has made sure that effective safeguards will be used to protect the privacy of citizens’ data. A 6-digit passcode sent to the citizens’ registered mobile numbers will be required for all verification transactions starting on March 2 in order to obtain their consent to proceed with data sharing.
When citizens register for an ID card, Nadra will collect their mobile numbers, and the authority has also launched an SMS service to enable citizens to enroll their numbers.
The 13-digit number on the back of a citizen’s ID card can be texted to 8009 to register their mobile number with Nadra. When the enrollment is successful, the authority will reply by sending a confirmation message to the sender. Consent management, according to Chairman Tariq Malik, is a digital mechanism that supports his vision to safeguard data security and protect citizen privacy.
As a result of this service, citizens will be assisted in maintaining their privacy as well as safeguarding their personal information. It is now possible for citizens to rest assured that their personal information is secure and protected through Nadra’s new service.
