Bhutan NDI Launches Advanced Value Added Features to Boost Security, Trust, and Digital Economy

Bhutan National Digital Identity (NDI) is pleased to announce the public rollout of a new suite of advanced value added features for its digital wallet, designed to drive digital transformation across government, business, and civic services. These capabilities are expected to significantly reduce fraud, streamline identity verification, and enhance the delivery of high-value public and private services—catalyzing positive impact on the country’s economic and administrative efficiency.

Biometric liveness verification supported by the DCRC biometric database

To elevate trust in critical digital activities such as high-value transactions, voting, property transfers, and pension disbursements, the Bhutan NDI wallet has introduced a Biometric Liveness Verification feature. This feature confirms the user’s real-time presence using advanced biometric verification matched against the Department of Civil Registration and Census (DCRC) biometric database. It provides a secure alternative to manual identity checks, providing digital assurance while enabling online processes and eliminating bottlenecks.

In-App OTP as a Secure Alternative to SMS

Replacing traditional SMS-based One-Time Password (OTP), this new feature enables ecosystem partners to securely authenticate users through the Bhutan NDI wallet. It ensures that the individual transacting is the verified holder of the wallet, and not the registered phone number, significantly reducing the risk of fraud or unauthorized access—especially for high-value digital transactions and large-scale financial activities.

Image as a Verifiable Credential

The Bhutan NDI wallet now allows individuals to present image-based verifiable credentials (VC), enabling online access of services while meeting trust required in digital delivery of services. For instance, image VC will enable users to remotely open accounts with financial institutes inline with the regulatory requirements around Know Your Customer (KYC), digitally apply for passports, licenses, and other documents. It will also allow police, event staff, or security personnel to visually verify identity in real time. This feature supports efficient enforcement at public events, enhances customer/user experience in online processes, and provides an option for anonymous but verified transactions—preserving privacy while upholding public safety and compliance standards.

Secure Peer-to-Peer Chat

Bhutan NDI introduces an encrypted, secure peer-to-peer (P2P) chat feature within the Bhutan NDI wallet—offering a trusted channel for communication between individuals, government institutions, and businesses. This capability reduces reliance on third-party apps, strengthens data sovereignty, and provides a robust alternative for official and confidential communications.

These advancements mark a significant milestone in the evolution of Bhutan’s digital public infrastructure. By embedding security, verification, and communication directly into the national digital identity platform, the new features are poised to reduce costs across sectors, improve trust in digital interactions, and drive adoption of e-government and e-commerce services.

“These capabilities are a crucial step toward realizing our vision of a technologically advanced Bhutan. By empowering our citizens and institutions to thrive in an increasingly digital world, we are taking meaningful steps to advance His Majesty’s vision for a future-ready nation — where technology enhances trust, transparency, and opportunity for all,” said Jigme Tenzing, Secretary, GovTech Agency Bhutan.

Jacques von Benecke, CEO, Bhutan NDI further added, “We’ve built these features with privacy, scalability, and user trust at the core. Leveraging the national biometric database, cryptographic protocols, and secure digital wallet architecture, we've developed cutting-edge solutions to long-standing challenges in identity verification and digital service delivery. It’s a leap forward for both our technology and our nation.”

The streamlined verification processes will alleviate the administrative burden on public and private institutions—allowing for faster service delivery, enhanced citizen experience, and measurable efficiency gains across the economy. Users of the Bhutan NDI wallet are advised to update their app from the iOS App Store or Android Google Play Store to leverage the new value-added features.

About Bhutan NDI

Bhutan National Digital Identity (NDI) provides verifiable credentials to Bhutanese citizens and residents. Bhutan NDI represents trust between actors in Bhutan’s digital ecosystem by offering the highest level of assurance, ensuring that all information shared across online services and platforms is authentic and verified.

The Bhutan NDI platform establishes a highly secure digital identity system, leveraging decentralized public key infrastructure to enhance the security and integrity of personal data. Bhutan NDI promotes inclusivity, accessibility, and equity by catering to individuals across demographics.

To learn more, visit: bhutanndi.com