Imagining a Future Where We Won’t Need Documents

Maybe in the future we won’t need or have any documents like driving license, passport, identity proof or address proof.

Instead, facial / iris recognition cameras will be everywhere and verify our identity without the hassle of showing ID cards. Or any other technology. Maybe gait recognition.

You won’t have to press against a fingerprint reader or take any action. Those are too invasive. You just walk through and get authenticated. The system is in the walls and just works. Larry Page said that in the future you won’t have to check your blood pressure. A sensor in the wall will detect it as you go about your day. Similarly you won’t have to show an ID card or press against a fingerprint sensor. You just walk in to an office where you work, or a hospital where you’re registered. Or a metro without a card and your balance gets deducted automatically.

You may object about privacy but having so many documents and showing them violates your privacy too. Not to mention giving sensitive information to apply for these documents in the first place. Including biometric data needed to get Aadhaar. So it’s not a privacy trade off.

You’re being tracked anyway. Can we do it seamlessly? New technology can simplify our lives by getting rid of so many documents.