Cell Phones Will Replace ID Cards

Hitachi Ltd, NTT DoCoMo, KDDI R & D and NEC Corp. have developed a technology that will allow individuals to use cell phones for identification.

"The technology uses PKI (public key infrastructure) encryption to verify electronic certificates stored in cellular phones carrying such information as an individual's name and gender."

Consumers will be able to shop more easily, show proof of age, keep a record of personal information – charge card, check into hotels and so on.

"Is that really you Hanako?"

"Yep, my cell phone says it's me."
 
There are a couple, um, weaknesses….

1. What if the mobile phone is lost?

2. What if someone who is not the true owner gets a hold of it?

Back to the drawing board….

What do you think?