Global Human Identification Service Launched

Press release
20 March 2006

iD-Everywhere Launches Global Human Identification Service

Natural disasters have been a frequent feature of recent years and sadly, seem to be increasing in number.

It’s clear that in times of crisis, a practical way is needed to obtain fast and accurate information about the people that matter to you.

iD-Everywhere is a new personal identification service, where members store essential information on a secure website database. iD-Everywhere members are allocated a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN), which allows access to their own securely stored personal database at www.iD-Everywhere.com.

The amount of information held is entirely up to the user and can range from basic information such as emergency contact details and medical details, to a full travel itinerary. Information can also be password protected for security. The member then keeps a discrete item of iD-Everywhere identification (such as a wrist band) on them when travelling. It contains their PIN and the web address.

The most important part of this service is that non password protected information, which can be as little as the member’s name and an emergency contact, is accessible to third parties such as emergency services or medical staff, and family members can be given access to other pages that the member chooses. This means that a person's whereabouts or identity can be ascertained quickly and accurately without giving away other personal information.

This service solves several practical problems highlighted over the past year:

• Quick confirmation of a person’s whereabouts by checking their travel itinerary online

• Quick confirmation of a person’s safety in a disaster zone iD-Everywhere rules out scenarios where it took weeks to reunite family members who were recovering in the same hospital, or where friends sheltering in the same town for days could not contact each other. In a worse case scenario the service would enable bodies to be quickly identified, providing peace of mind to families.

"We live and work in a truly global environment and people often forget to leave their contact details with family when they travel,” commented Stephen Shanks, CEO of iD-Everywhere. “In the case of getting caught up in a disaster and when all normal lines of communication are unavailable, being a member of this scheme means that you can reconnect with friends and family much more quickly."

“This service also puts your identification and your details back in your hands,” he said. “You can make as much or as little information publicly accessible as you want and the beauty of iD-Everywhere is that as your PIN is designed to travel with you; as a wristband, set of dog tags or something similar, you’ll never forget it and it’ll always be there if it’s ever needed. This service provides peace of mind for a nominal yearly charge."

It’s not just for disasters either. This service eliminates the modern practical problem of having to take medical records to sports events and on school trips and can be a valuable travel aid for anyone going overseas. In the case of backpackers and other travellers, the ability to update your itinerary from an Internet café is a powerful tool that keeps those that want to know fully up to date with your movements.

The service, which was developed by two UK entrepreneurs, costs from just £5 ($13) per annum. Sports clubs, schools and charities can benefit financially as iD-Everywhere will give back £50 ($130) for every 100 items they sell.

ENDS

© Scoop Media