Senior Advisor Research & Development, Ministry of Justice and Security, Immigration Naturalization Services (IND), Netherlands
The interview explored how digital identity technologies are evolving within immigration and border security, focusing on security, usability, and public adoption.
A key example discussed was a pilot project involving asylum seekers using a digital ID smartphone application. The pilot demonstrated strong usability and adoption rates, suggesting that even groups often assumed to have limited access to technology are willing to use government-issued digital identity tools when they provide clear benefits. The findings indicate that people are generally open to downloading and using government digital ID apps, particularly when the systems are easy to use and serve practical needs.
Digital identity was highlighted as a more secure method of identity verification, with the potential to reduce identity fraud and improve trust in identity systems. Van Duuren noted that technologies that initially seem unusual can become widely accepted over time. For example, passport chips once appeared outlandish, but they are now a standard feature relied upon for automated border crossings at electronic gates.
The interview touched on the future of digital identity in the Netherlands, including potential initiatives aimed at improving ID inclusion for certain groups and whether the country is moving toward greater adoption and ownership of digital identities as part of modern public services and border management.
