Hong Kong Secretary for Innovation and Technology Alfred Sit Wing-hang (right) and Government Chief Information Officer Victor Lam introduces the "iAM Smart" one-stop personalized digital service platform to the media at a press conference in Hong Kong, Dec 29, 2020. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG - Hong Kong on Tuesday rolled out a one-stop smart ID authentication app, iAM Smart, that will enable Hong Kong residents to check their COVID-19 test results, open a bank account and check their tax status through a single digital ID.
Beginning Wednesday at 9 am, residents aged 11 or older can use the app after registering for the smart ID to conduct authentication, digital signing and online form-filling functions for online services provided by government and non-government institutions.
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Users can also set up notification services to receive government service updates, such as when bills are due. From January, residents can also check and download their COVID-19 test or vaccine records on the app
Users can also set up notification services to receive government service updates, such as when bills are due.
More than 20 commonly used online government services will be accessible through the platform once it is launched, including eTAX, application for renewal of driving or vehicle license, Hongkong Post services, and the e-services of CLP Power, Towngas and HK Electric.
From January, residents can also check and download their COVID-19 test or vaccine records on the app.
It is expected that by mid-2021, residents will be able to access about 110 online government services through the platform, including voter registration and applications for HKSAR passports.
“Most online government services will be available on the platform gradually,” Secretary for Innovation and Technology Alfred Sit Wing-hang said at the launch.
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He said banks have shown an interest in joining the platform for smart financial services, including client ID authentication and account application.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer are studying the use of iAM Smart to assist financial institutions in providing online financial services.
Financial regulators, including the HKMA, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority, and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, have issued circulars to authorized institutions to encourage them to join iAM Smart.
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Developed and managed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, "iAM Smart" stands for "internet Access by Mobile in a Smart way". Sit estimated the research and development cost of the platform at about HK$60 million (US$7.74 million).
Sit said that the app’s privacy protection complies with international standards. It doesn’t track the user’s location, and all personal data will be safely encrypted to ensure privacy, he said.
Users need a mobile phone with biometric authentication to register. To enable digital signing for services such as renewal of vehicle licenses, residents can visit registration counters set up in 121 post offices across the city, or the self-registration kiosks in various districts.
The government will also arrange mobile registration teams to visit busy venues, such as shopping malls and government premises, to assist those in need, such as the elderly.
