Jakarta (MidLand) – Holders of the “My Number” national identity card in Japan will be able to use their iPhones instead of physical cards starting next spring, the country’s government said on Thursday (5/30).
This is in line with the authorities’ efforts to encourage the use of systems introduced to simplify administrative procedures.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook confirmed this change during a conference call Thursday, Japanese Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told the media, as quoted by Kyodo on Thursday.
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This development comes after the feature was added to Android smartphones in May 2023.
“My Number” holders will be able to use their smartphone instead of their card when interacting with public service providers such as local government offices or tax offices.
Kishida asked Cook to allow the iPhone to serve as a “My Number” card during a meeting in December 2022, government sources said.
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With the “My Number” card system launched in 2016, each Japanese resident is assigned a 12-digit number to centralize various personal data, such as tax and social security information.
The government says these cards simplify paperwork for holders, allowing them, for example, to obtain official documents at convenience stores or apply for child support online.
The Japanese government also plans to phase out current health insurance certificates and integrate them onto “My Number” cards in December, meaning everyone in Japan will have to get such cards as the country’s health insurance system covers all residents.
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Additionally, the Japanese government aims to integrate driver’s licenses into the system by March 2025. According to the government, nearly 74% of the Japanese population had applied for the “My Number” card by the end of April.
However, authorities have faced difficulties in encouraging the public to apply for “My Number” cards after revelations of mishandling of personal data, such as health insurance details being wrongly recorded and made available to people other than the owner.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman
Publisher: Siti Zulaikha
Copyright © MidLand 2024
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