A national ID card is a portable document that contains personally identifiable information (PII) or data, which is used to verify a persons identity. The card is typically made of plastic and may include a photo of the cardholder, their full name, date of birth, and other identifying information. National ID cards are used by many countries as a means of tracking their citizens.
The specific policies and requirements for national ID cards vary by country. For example, in Bangladesh, the National Identity card is issued by the National Identity Registration Wing of the Election Commission and is a compulsory identity document issued to every Bangladeshi citizen upon turning 18 years of age. In China, an ID card is mandatory for all citizens who are over 16 years old and has 18 digits. In the United States, there is no national ID card, but drivers licenses are often used as a form of identification.
National ID cards can serve various functions beyond identity verification, such as a travel document within certain regions, proof of eligibility to work, or access to government services and benefits. However, the concept of national identity cards has always been a contentious issue, with arguments both for and against their implementation. The controversy often centers around the balance between enhancing security and protecting individual privacy rights.
