‘Data can be shared through Smart Card’
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter
Al Wefaq Deputy Jassim Hussein yesterday expressed fears that the Smart Card might violate personal freedoms.
He also lamented the inefficient process for the applicants to obtain their cards.
“Several applicants have complained to me that they had to wait for a long time. They also expressed doubts that their confidential profiles were shared through the cards,” Hussein claimed.
The unique 64kb card stores the holder’s data including the details of the passport, driving licence and the Central Population Registry (CPR) as well as medical and educational information. The deputy proposed the inclusion of mobile phone numbers and blood type in the CPR.
‘Data can be shared through Smart Card’
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter
Al Wefaq Deputy Jassim Hussein yesterday expressed fears that the Smart Card might violate personal freedoms.
He also lamented the inefficient process for the applicants to obtain their cards.
“Several applicants have complained to me that they had to wait for a long time. They also expressed doubts that their confidential profiles were shared through the cards,” Hussein claimed.
The unique 64kb card stores the holder’s data including the details of the passport, driving licence and the Central Population Registry (CPR) as well as medical and educational information. The deputy proposed the inclusion of mobile phone numbers and blood type in the CPR.
The Central Informatics Organisation is issuing and renewing the cards. It also issues replacements for the lost cards.
Expatriates have to pay BD10 each for their Smart Card. The citizens are required to pay BD2.
“I have questioned the validity of the project. The Smart Card does not have the holder’s address,” said Hussein who is a member of the parliamentary finance and economic affairs committee.
The recently launched e-government portal has a section where people can choose the date for appointment to obtain Smart Cards.
Forging the card could lead to five years’ imprisonment, while those providing wrong information, having more than one Smart Card or using them for illegal purposes could be fined BD1,500.
Those who refuse to show their Smart Cards to the police or medical authorities could face three months’ jail or fine.
The card can be used in the six GCC states which are also supporting the idea of allowing their citizens to use their CPRs and other identification cards for travel within the region.
The card is valid for five years from the date of issue. It can be used for e-voting.
However, political parties have urged the authorities not to allow the use of Smart Card in the parliamentary elections, saying that it might lead to rigging.
Last update on: 27-5-2007
Article from: Bahrain Tribune New
