SECRET MASS SURVEILLANCE 2 of 2 CENTRAL CURRENCY

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CENTRAL CURRENCY

New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is a vocal supporter of exploring CBDCs

Today, Rishi Sunak, who has been the most vocal member of the British government to voice support for CBDCs, took office as the new UK Prime Minister. Related: Bank Of England collaborates with MIT to research state controlled digital currencies Earlier this year, while serving as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sunak announced a joint task force of the Treasury and Bank of England to explore a CBDC. Watch the video here. Sunak said “The G7 is launching a set of policy principles for retail, Central Bank Digital Currencies, CBDCs.” Other members of G7 are the US, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Japan. “Central Bank Digital Currencies could be a digital version of money, a bit like a digital banknote that could be used alongside physical notes and coins,” he added. Sunak said that central banks and governments will collaborate in exploring a digital currency issued by a central bank. Among the things to consider will be safety and secure transactions, and providing a way for people to transact that is available to all and energy efficient. He stressed on the importance of exploring CBDCs. “The decision on whether to launch a Central Bank Digital Currency is for each country to make, and no G7 jurisdiction has yet made that choice,” Sunak said. “These decisions raise important questions about the reshaping of our economy...We’re excited to be taking a leading role with G7 members in publishing this exploratory work, bringing money and finance into the 21st century.”

CENTRAL DATABASE

Australia considers centralizing digital ID

In the wake of the Optus data breach, the Australian government is considering centralizing digital ID through the myGov or myGovID systems. During the Optus data breach, the personal information of about 10 million clients were exposed, including Medicare numbers, driver’s licenses, and passports. Optus is an Australian telecom with over 10 million subscribers. The breach raised questions about why businesses need to store so much personal information. As a result, the government is considering a centralized digital ID system. The government services ministry, led by Bill Shorten, will conduct a review to determine if myGov could be a viable option to avoid the need to present IDs multiple times. “Within the audit’s remit is to consider how myGov can deliver seamless services that will frequently involve private enterprise service providers,” Shorten’s spokesperson said to The Guardian. “This would prevent the need for citizens to provide sensitive data multiple times to multiple entities.” Meanwhile, finance minister Katy Gallagher is considering resurrecting a digital ID legislation that the previous government did not bring before parliament. The draft bill would expand the use of the myGovID system that is already used for ID verification while accessing Centrelink, Medicare, and the Australian Taxation Office.

FACIAL RECOGNITION AND FINGERPRINTS

Australia’s New South Wales wants to explore biometrics for digital ID

The government of Australia’s New South Wales state has requested a parliamentary inquiry into the use of AI-based technologies like biometrics for digital IDs and facial recognition. The Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said that the inquiry, which will be conducted by the state's parliamentary Committee of Law and Safety, will explore how the use of AI in public service delivery could be expanded throughout the whole state. “AI has the potential to significantly improve service delivery and quality of life in a host of areas, including transport, health, and cyber security. It is imperative that we remain at the forefront of this ever-emerging space,” said Dominello. “Whether it’s facial recognition, use of biometrics to enable digital identity, or use of AI and algorithms for data analysis, we must strike the right balance between advancing technology and safeguarding privacy and security. The Committee will examine these issues in depth to help ensure our policies and legislative framework is fit-for-purpose,” he added. In an article published on LinkedIn, the minister insisted on the ethical nature of the inquiry. “I understand the reforming power of technology. I am also acutely aware of its destructive power – if we do not put guard rails in place. For this reason, I recently wrote to the Parliamentary Law and Safety Committee and asked for an inquiry into the ethical use of AI,” he explained.