Windhoek: The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has advised Namibians to depend on official information regarding the nation's new electronic identity (e-ID) card, emphasizing that the misinformation spreading on social media does not represent the public's reaction accurately.According to Namibia Press Agency, during an e-ID awareness campaign in the Epukiro Constituency of the Omaheke Region, Festus Abiatar, the Control Administrative Officer in the ministry's Civil Registration Department, remarked that local engagements have demonstrated a keen interest among residents to understand the new identity card before its official launch in September. "The public's response has been quite reassuring. There is quite a difference from what we see directly from the public and what we see on social media," he stated.Abiatar noted that many residents participating in the awareness sessions within the Gobabis, Kalahari, and Epukiro constituencies showed enthusiasm for the new identity docu ment. Some even assumed that officials were ready to start issuing e-ID cards immediately. The awareness initiative also serves to dispel concerns about the security of the e-ID, especially regarding the misuse of lost or stolen cards.He clarified that although personal information on the card remains visible if misplaced, the electronic chip stores biometric data, including facial recognition and two thumbprints, crucial for verifying the cardholder's identity. "The person who picks up the ID will need to know the PIN of that ID, and then their thumb would need to match the thumb that is saved on the chip," he explained, noting that facial recognition technology would prevent misuse, even by identical twins.Furthermore, Abiatar highlighted the ministry's vision for the e-ID to transcend its role as a mere identification tool and become a cornerstone for future digital government services. "We want e-ID cards to be a driver of e-services, to allow people to access services from the convenience of their ho me or wherever they might be," he expressed.He encouraged citizens to obtain information directly from the ministry and approach officials with any concerns.