omgfin

Shortly after its central bank completed its first CBDC tests, Turkey announced a blockchain-based digital identity application. 

Turkey plans to use blockchain technology throughout the login method for online public services. E-Devlet, Turkey’s digital government portal accustomed access a large range of public services, can use a blockchain-based digital identity to verify Turkish voters throughout login. 

Fuat Oktay, the vice president of Turkey, announced throughout the Digital Turkey 2023 event that citizens are going to be able to use blockchain-based digital identity to access e-wallet applications, Cointelegraph Turkey reported. 

Oktay referred to as the blockchain-based application a revolution for e-government efforts, adding that online services are going to be safer and accessible with blockchain. Users will be able to keep their digital information on their mobile phones. 

“With the login system which will work within the scope of the e-wallet application, our citizens are going to be able to enter the e-Devlet with a digital identity created within the blockchain network,” the vice president said. 

Related: Turkey’s central bank completes 1st CBDC test with additional to come in 2023 

Turkey has announced many projects powered by blockchain over the years, however only a few are complete yet. The country’s plans for a national blockchain infrastructure date back to 2019. However, other than some proof-of-concept projects and its central bank digital currency test — dead after many delays — its blockchain ambitions have yet connected fruits. 

As of January 2020, Turkey’s cultural hub of Konya was developing a “City Coin” project to be utilized by citizens to pay for public services, however no further updates are shared with the general public within the last 2 years.