Li Yuhang, Executive Director of the World Digital Academy: The Threat of Generative AI to Digital Identity Security

In the morning, an online side event was held during the UN Future Summit Action Day, focusing on "Digital Identity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." Hosted by the World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA), the discussion highlighted the urgent need to establish a global digital identity framework in light of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

During the event, WDTA Executive Director Academician Li Yuhang delivered a keynote speech titled "Shaping the Identity of the Future." He explained that digital identity represents an individual's data in the digital space. With the emergence of new digital and medical technologies, the concept of identity has become increasingly complex. Generative AI poses a significant threat to identity verification systems by creating highly realistic deepfake images, videos, and voice clones. Additionally, AI can generate synthetic identities by blending real and false information, allowing for the creation of new personas that can open accounts, commit fraud, and evade detection in the digital realm. The automation of phishing attacks through generative AI makes it easier for attackers to deceive individuals or systems.

Currently, some nations have begun developing digital identity systems. For instance, the European Union introduced the Electronic Identification and Trust Services Regulation (eIDAS) in 2014 as a legal framework for electronic identity and trust services among member states. In 2021, the EU launched a digital identity wallet to facilitate the storage of eID, driving licenses, and payment information for use in cross-border public and private sectors. National digital IDs compliant with eIDAS enable citizens to access a variety of services using their national electronic ID.

Li Yuhang advocated for a comprehensive UN identity strategy to ensure ethical and inclusive governance of digital identities on a global scale. To promote the safe, reliable, and responsible application of AI technology worldwide, he announced the launch of the "AI Safety, Trust, and Responsibility (AI STR)" certification program by WDTA. This initiative aims to establish stringent international standards that ensure AI systems adhere to the highest safety and ethical criteria throughout their design, development, and practical application stages.