What is “contactless” technology and how to validate your identity from your cell phone

The axis of the new DNI is set in the incorporation of a contactless electronic chipa technology that is already used on a daily basis in other areas, but that until now was not part of the widely used Argentine identity document. The official promise is clear: more security, greater protection of personal data and the possibility of validating identity without depending on queries in external databases.

In recent years, the growth of digital procedures, the expansion of online services and the increase in document fraud have put traditional identification systems under pressure. Showing a physical card is no longer always enough, and many processes require verify that whoever is on the other side is actually who they say they are.

In this context, the incorporation of electronic technology to the DNI seeks to respond to a specific problem: how to reliably prove a person’s identity in digital environments, without exposing more information than necessary and without adding unnecessary friction for the citizen. For example, the exposure of the procedure number is a danger that few citizens take into account, which often ends in data leaks that take advantage of users and put them in a vulnerable position.

The Government clarified that the update is not mandatory. Current ID cards will remain valid until their expiration date or until they must be renewed due to theft, loss or deterioration. The new format will coexist for years with the current documents, in a gradual transition scheme.

When we talk about a “contactless” DNI, we are referring to an electronic chip that can exchange information over a very short distance, without the need to insert it into a reader or establish direct physical contact. It is the same logic that millions of cards use today to pay, access buildings or travel on public transport.

An everyday example in Argentina is the SUBE card. By placing it on the bus reader or the subway turnstile, a short-range wireless communication is produced that allows the card to be identified, the balance validated and the trip authorized in a matter of seconds. Everything happens without cables, without batteries and without the user having to do anything more than bringing the card closer.

Something similar happens with Visa or Mastercard contactless bank cards. When brought close to the posnet, the chip exchanges encrypted data with the reader to authorize the payment. The technology behind these systems is known as NFC (Near Field Communication) and is designed to operate only a few centimeters away, which reduces the risk of interception.

In the case of the new DNI, the contactless chip stores the holder’s data in a form encrypted. This means that the information is not visible or readable as plain text: it can only be interpreted by authorized systems with the appropriate keys and protocols.

According to the official statement, one of the main differences with respect to other systems is that identity validation can be done without the need to consult external databases. The document itself acts as a trusted source of information, reducing the attack surface and limits the exposure of personal data.

One of the most relevant points of the new DNI is the possibility of validating identity from a cell phone. Many current smartphones already incorporate NFC, the same technology used for mobile payments or to load the SUBE from an app.

In practical terms, validating identity involves bring the ID close to the cell phone so that the phone reads the contactless chip. From this reading, an official application or an authorized system can verify that the document is authentic and that the data was not altered.

This mechanism can be used, for example, for digital proceduresservice registration processes, remote identity validations or more agile in-person controls. Instead of sending photos of your ID or completing lengthy forms, the system can confirm identity in seconds.

From a security point of view, the process is supported on several levels. On the one hand, the information stored on the chip is encrypted. On the other hand, access to this data may be limited to certain applications or contexts, avoiding indiscriminate readings.

Although the Government has not yet detailed all the specific applications that will be enabled in the short term, international experience shows that this type of document is usually integrated with digital identity systems, electronic wallets and public and private service platforms.

The incorporation of electronic technology to the DNI does not eliminate the need for basic care. Like any identity document, it remains a sensitive object that should be protected.

First of all, it is important to avoid lending your DNI or leaving it out of control in unnecessary situations. Even if the chip works at very short distances, access to information must always be limited to trusted contexts.

It is also advisable to find out which official applications are enabled to read and validate the DNI. Install unofficial apps or of dubious origin can open the door to abuse or misuse of data.

In the case of using your ID with your cell phone, it is advisable to keep your phone updated, with a screen lock and active security systems. The device becomes part of the validation process and, as such, must also be protected.

Finally, if the document is stolen or lost, it is still key to file a report and manage the renewal as soon as possible. Technology adds layers of security, but does not replace basic care practices that remain central in any identification system.