On one side are supporters who welcome the convenience of leaving physical IDs at home, believing Apple’s security infrastructure offers a safer and more streamlined travel experience. On the other side are privacy advocates who fear that such technology could pave the way for increased surveillance and data misuse, especially if government agencies gain new avenues to track citizens. These concerns mirror wider debates already unfolding in regions like the United Kingdom and the European Union, where national and bloc-wide digital identity programs have faced opposition from civil liberties organizations.
Apple states that its Digital ID system relies on advanced encryption and on-device storage to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Unlike cloud-based sharing models, Apple notes that passport data will remain confined to the user’s iPhone, and only the minimal information necessary for verification will be transmitted during identification checks. Authentication through Face ID or Touch ID is required to access the ID, aiming to ensure that no one else can view or alter the data. Apple has emphasized that it does not gain access to passport details and claims its design prioritizes privacy at every stage.
Despite these assurances, cybersecurity experts and digital rights advocates are unconvinced. Jason Bassler, co-founder of The Free Thought Project, argued publicly that increasing reliance on smartphone-based identity tools could normalize a culture of compromised privacy dressed up as convenience. He warned that once the public becomes comfortable with digital credentials, resistance to broader forms of monitoring may fade. Other specialists, such as Swiss security researcher Jean-Paul Donner, note that iPhone security is not impenetrable, and both hackers and law enforcement have previously circumvented device protections.
Major organizations like the ACLU, EFF, and CDT have also called for strict safeguards, insisting that identity systems must be designed to prevent authorities from tracking when or where identification is used. They argue that without explicit structural barriers to surveillance, the technology could be exploited in ways that undermine civil liberties.
Whether Apple can fully guarantee the safety and independence of digital identity data remains an open question. As adoption expands and security is tested in practice, the debate over convenience versus privacy is unlikely to go away anytime soon. TechRadar is continuing to consult industry experts and will provide updates as more insights emerge.
