Identity Card Branch

The Identity Card Branch, established in 2016, is under the command of an Assistant Director. It comprises the Identity Card (General) Division, the Identity Card (System) Division and the Technology Services (Identity Card) Sub-division.

The Identity Card (General) Division is responsible for planning and preparing for the launch of the territory-wide identity card replacement exercise. The Identity Card (System) Division is responsible for planning and implementing the Next Generation Smart Identity Card System (SMARTICS-2) while the Technology Services (Identity Card) Sub-division provides technical advice and assistance in project implementation.

Next Generation Smart Identity Card Project

The current Smart Identity Card System (SMARTICS) was introduced in 2003. It is an online computer system that supports the registration and production of Hong Kong smart identity cards, including receipt of applications, record check, case assessment, personalisation and card issuance.

In 2010, the Department engaged a consultant to conduct the third Information Systems Strategy (ISS-3) Review with a view to formulating a long-term information systems strategy. Amongst other things, the ISS-3 consultant recommended the implementation of SMARTICS-2 to address the obsolescence of hardware and software of the existing SMARTICS and to cater for possible new business needs. Following the recommendation, the Department conducted a feasibility study between 2013 and 2014, which eventually recommended the implementation of a new computer system, SMARTICS-2, and the introduction of new smart identity cards to replace the existing ones through a territory-wide identity card replacement exercise.

The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved a funding of $1,448 million in 2015:

• to develop the SMARTICS-2 to replace the existing SMARTICS so as to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness in supporting the issue of Hong Kong smart identity cards; and
• to launch a one-off territory-wide identity card replacement exercise to replace the existing smart identity cards for all Hong Kong identity card (HKIC) holders in phases.

Implementation of SMARTICS-2

SMARTICS-2 will enhance the process of registration of persons to provide greater convenience to the public. It will also support the provision of other immigration-related services by the Department and verification of personal data requested by other government bureaux/departments or public organisations for specific purposes in accordance with the law. New functions include appointment booking and form pre-filling on the Internet or through a mobile application, new self-service registration kiosks and self-service collection kiosks with electronic cabinets, etc.

System analysis and design of SMARTICS-2 were completed and system development is underway to tie in with the launch of the territory-wide identity card replacement exercise by the end of 2018.

New Smart Identity Card

The new smart identity card will make use of high quality polycarbonate materials. On top of the existing contact chip interface, the new identity card will also support a contactless chip interface, which will make the card even more durable. The contactless interface will make use of highly secured close-range wireless transmission. With advancement in technology, the new smart identity card will be safeguarded by multi-dimensional security features to maintain a low forgery rate.

The new form of HKIC was approved by the Chief Executive-in-Council in November 2017. A number of new state-of-the-art security features and other sophisticated security designs will be introduced. Coupled with a more complex background with multiple patterns and specific colour printing features, the new smart identity card has strong protection against photo substitution and counterfeiting.

Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise

A territory-wide identity card replacement exercise will be launched by the end of 2018. All smart HKIC holders will be invited in phases, i.e. through a call-up programme, to have their existing smart HKICs replaced at the dedicated smart identity card replacement centres (SIDCCs). The number of smart identity cards to be replaced in the upcoming replacement exercise is estimated to be about 8.8 million, and the exercise is anticipated to last until 2022.

In view of the changes in demographics of Hong Kong and to provide more convenience to the needy groups, the Department will adopt facilitation measures in the upcoming card replacement exercise, including:

• allowing HKIC holders being invited in phases to bring along their family members or friends aged 65 or above for replacing their existing smart identity cards in the same trip;
• on-site identity card replacement service at residential care homes for elderly persons and persons with disabilities, thereby saving their need to travel to the SIDCCs.

Personal Data Privacy Protection

The Department will ensure necessary safeguards are in place to comply with legal requirements on protection of personal data as well as system security at each and every stage of project development. Qualified independent consultants will be commissioned to conduct Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) during each critical stage of the implementation of SMARTICS-2. Each PIA report will be submitted to the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data for comments to ensure compliance with the relevant data protection principles and other requirements under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486).

In addition to PIAs, the Department will also engage an independent auditor to conduct information technology security risk assessment and security audit at different stages of implementation to ensure the effectiveness of those security measures in protecting information in SMARTICS-2 and Hong Kong smart identity cards.