Campaign:NHNE/General/Identity

General

With a fairly standardised, moderate tech level, the definition of identity is taken from the DNA of the checked person: The centralised databases of that identity being updated by the various states at birth. Normally, any new person entering a state will have arranged for their identity data to have been passed to the state they are entering prior to their entry. The main exception to this central-model is The Belt where the vast distances make vital the need for local databases for quick verification.

Almost all security works on the basis of immediate verification by touch. However, the DNA profile may need to be pre-loaded onto the verifying device (important when you have to be, for instance, in a sealed Vacc-Suit and want to pay for something using a phone).

Additionally, a person who is applying for "Refugee" status in a country may get a new identity record. Quite often, the state from which they are fleeing will refuse to verify the identity of such persons.

Abuses

Database Updates

The creation of fictional non-birth identities in the central databases of each state is a factor that can occur. Often, these identities will be created as if they had been provided by another birth state. But some identities will be created by creation of entirely false entries or via the amendment of an existing entry. This could occur by a state or non-state actor.

Reader Spoofing

The DNA readers that are interrogated can also be tricked to give false DNA profiles and thus verify false identities. However, these are of limited use as any check against the central database itself can reveal this falsehood. However, most small/trivial transactions don't check the central database, only (at most) a locally stored black-list.

DNA Reprofiling

Certain procedures and extensively re-profile your DNA and thus disassociate your body from your record in that manner.

DNA Faking

It is possible for specific DNA profiles to be manufactured for various uses. These may be abused.