3 Billion Lack Digital ID as China Expands Biometric Border Clearance

A new World Bank report reveals that nearly three billion people still lack digital ID, cutting them off from essential services and widening the global digital divide. Sub-Saharan Africa has national ID coverage of 80%, but only 32% use digital ID and just 23% deploy it for services. Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal have launched digital ID initiatives, while Europe and North America lead with adoption rates up to 81% in Turkey. The World Bank urges prioritizing birth registrations and building trust in digital ID systems. In parallel, China is rolling out biometric border clearance at major ports and land crossings with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Face-swiping, fingerprint and iris scans at Shanghai, Xiamen, Guangzhou and Shenzhen checkpoints aim to speed immigration. China’s RealDID blockchain-based ID and AI-driven student ID pilots underline its push toward a comprehensive digital ID ecosystem.