Digital ID Overview

Solomon Islands does not have an established national digital ID system.^[9] While the Solomon Island government has recognized the importance of digital transformation, steps taken to implement digital governance strategies have been “incremental and fragmented”.^[10] The government of Solomon Islands has taken some initiatives such as transitioning some government services, such as online business registration, to digital platforms.^[11] One of the priorities of Solomon Islands is development of infrastructure, including internet infrastructure to address connectivity challenges which would create a major barrier to enrollment in a digital ID system.^[12]

In its Five-Year ICT [Information and Communications Technology] Strategic Plan 2019-2023, one of the goals of the Solomon Islands government was to digitize government services for citizens.^[13] This includes three objectives: improving transparency and access to information through greater access to online services, bridging the rural/urban gap of connectivity, and establishing a framework to implement e-Government initiatives.^[14] In the National E-commerce Strategy 2022-2027, the goal of having an operational national ID system that would “unify various systems” by 2027 is also mentioned.^[15]

Law

Domestic Law and Policy

Solomon Islands has yet to establish a legal framework on digital identity. The country is working on a draft National Digital Transformation Policy, which has yet to be finalized and shared publicly.^[16] In 2017, National ICT [Information and Communications Technology] Policy was published, which highlights the need to create a legal environment to support the growth of ICT use where the creation of data security and privacy laws would be a necessary foundation.^[17]

Data Protection

There is no national framework on digital identity or data privacy in Solomon Islands.^[18] The National Cybersecurity Policy, launched in August 2024, does provide strategies for ensuring “a safe and secure cyber environment for Solomon Islands” which may inform future drafting of laws.^[19] Regarding data collection, the Telecommunications Act (2009) requires service providers to not “collect, use, maintain or disclose information about a user for any purpose” and to “apply appropriate security safeguards to prevent the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of such information.”^[20] The Telecommunications Act does not outline what security measures or safeguards service providers are to apply to protect data and privacy.

International Commitments

Solomon Islands is not a party to treaties specific to digital ID or data privacy and protection. As Solomon Islands continues to develop its digital public infrastructure, it is important to do so in line with its international obligations under the human rights treaties it is party to, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, ICESCR, ICERD, CRC, and CEDAW.

Designed to Include?

The Impact of Digital ID and Legal Identity on Citizenship and Nationality Rights

While Solomon Islands is still in the planning phase of its digital public infrastructure development, in its Five-Year ICT Strategic Plan, only citizens are mentioned as users in future systems.^[21] As Solomon Islands’ planning phase continues, it is important for stateless persons, refugees, and foreign nationals to be considered to ensure the design of future systems are inclusive regardless of nationality or legal status.

Further, there is a need to improve the birth registration rate for Solomon Islanders as 70% of the population likely struggles with access to services as a result of not having a birth certificate.^[22] Those without birth certificates are able to verify their identity if they obtain a letter from local authorities, but this creates an administrative hurdle which may be more difficult for vulnerable groups to overcome.^[23]