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UAE adopts digital identity and blockchain to fight COVID-19

Wilbur Rodgers
March 30, 2020
2 minutes read
384

Taking into account the recent Coronavirus outbreak, UAE’s Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) has started adopting digital channels for governmental services. The system completes requests by relying on the use of digital identity by individuals, blockchain systems and chat systems.

In the UAE, some of the smart government initiatives are more advanced compared to other countries

To stop citizens visiting offices during #COVID__19 restrictions
=> use of #blockchain + digital identity mean some government services entirely onlinehttps://t.co/QenhxqAVDt

— Ledger Insights (@LedgerInsights) March 26, 2020

Establishing social welfare bodies and issuing marriage licenses are some of the responsibilities of the department.

According to the MOCD, it has started receiving digital documents instead of paper documents through its customer happiness centers (UAE’s version of customer service centers).

According to Hessa Essa Buhumaid, UAE’s Minister of Community Development, “This step confirms the ministry’s commitment to ensure the continuity and flexibility of all government services in light of the directives of the smart government to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

The Emirates News Agency reported that the MOCD has been using blockchain for digital authentication of official certificates and other documents. Currently, the blockchain system can process 2,919 different types of documents. Now, the ministry will provide services through its website and smart applications, with additional support via e-mail and telephone.

The main purpose is to restrain the public from visiting government offices and service centers. Digital identity is utilized for remotely accessing government services.

The UAE Pass app is a national digital identity system developed by Smart Dubai, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Abu Dhabi Digital Authority. It allows smartphone-based verification of a user and enables them to sign documents electronically.

The UAE is also coming strong on distributed ledger technology (DLT), with various projects throughout the country. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has developed a blockchain platform for storing healthcare and pharmaceutical data.

Disclaimer: No warranty is herein provided that the information contained in this document is accurate, up-to-date, and/or complete. In no circumstance(s), does such information constitute legal or any other advice. Any person who intends to use, rely, pass-on, or re-publish the information contained herein in any way is solely responsible for the same. We suggest to verify the information and/or obtain expert advice independently if required.

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UK Publishes First National Risk Assessment of Proliferation Financing
The UK is at a high risk of proliferation financing for Korea and Iran, while UK financial institutions remain the main target.

The UK has published its first national risk assessment (NRA) of proliferation financing risks, following the collection of views and evidence from the government, private sector, and academic and research partners, highlighting the proliferation financing risks facing the UK.

The UK is one of the first jurisdictions to carry out such an assessment.

While the UK currently has robust practices in place for combating proliferation financing activities, malign actors involved in proliferation financing seek to exploit the UK’s stability in the global economy and international financial system. The act involves the use of funds for facilitating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) programmes which pose a threat to the UK’s national security objectives and threaten international peace.

The key findings of the proliferation financing NRA have been identified as the following:

The UK’s financial sector is at high risk from proliferation actors. The UK’s financial services industry, particularly the banking and insurance sectors, is especially at risk

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran are the most significant proliferation financing actors at the state level

The private sector has limited awareness regarding proliferation financing compared to other risks, such as money laundering and terrorist financing

The notice issued by the UK government states that “a lack of awareness of proliferation financing in parts of the UK economy can lead to a lack of understanding of how certain industrial products, for example, may be manipulated for hostile use or for use in a CBRN programme”.

Despite the above-mentioned threats, the NRA highlights the robust counter-proliferation legal framework in place in the UK that protects the country from proliferation financing.

The UK’s autonomous financial sanctions regimes targeting CBRN proliferation, as well as other regulations in the UK, including UN sanctions regimes, export control regimes, and other tools available to the UK Government, limit opportunities for proliferating actors to exploit the UK to obtain financing for CBRN capabilities.

The full assessment can be viewed here.

Suggested Read: FATF Issues New Guidance on Mitigating Proliferation Financing Risk

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Acquire registries of the company to get updated information on the beneficial ownership of the company (the Registry Approach)

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Corporate Transparency Act in the US

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FinCrime through shell companies and imposters has been a problem for the corporate sector for years. Money launderers that pretend to be potential investors and shell companies approaching with fascinating partnership opportunities has become the oldest trick in the book. Unfortunately, many companies still fall prey to these activities, resulting in hefty financial losses, exposure of confidential data, and a damaged brand reputation. With numerous laws in place to combat money laundering and terror financing, there must be an adequate solution in place for screening every entity before developing any business relationships. Shufti Pro’s AI-backed business verification is what every firm needs at the moment. It will not only help you screen partners and intermediaries, but also assist you in staying compliant with the rigid KYB regulations.

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UAE adopts digital identity and blockchain to fight COVID-19

Regulatory Approach to Merchant Onboarding

FATF’s Recommendations

6AMLD in the EU

Corporate Transparency Act in the US

How Shufti Pro is Helping Businesses Onboard Legitimate Merchants

In a Nutshell…

Let’s prove your

customer’s identity

with Shuftipro.

Let’s prove your customer’s

identity with Shuftipro.

UAE adopts digital identity and blockchain to fight COVID-19

What is Merchant Verification?

Regulatory Approach to Merchant Onboarding

FATF’s Recommendations

6AMLD in the EU

Corporate Transparency Act in the US

How Shufti Pro is Helping Businesses Onboard Legitimate Merchants

In a Nutshell…

Let’s prove your

customer’s identity

with Shuftipro.

Let’s prove your customer’s

identity with Shuftipro.