Palau's Bold Step into Digital Citizenship: A 24-Hour Trial for a Year of Digital Identity ($248)

Motivation Behind Palau's Digital Citizenship

1. Innovation Beyond Borders: In an increasingly interconnected world, geographical boundaries are becoming obsolete, hampering innovation and business activities. Whether it's international money transfers, multinational business operations, or navigating fragmented intellectual property rules, the current system of national borders is a barrier to progress.
2. Blockchain Solutions Lack Sovereign Legitimacy: While blockchain has tried to transcend these synthetic borders, it remains confined to the virtual realm, lacking the legitimacy of sovereign and legal institutions.
3. Accountability Issues in Blockchain: Blockchain technology’s use of anonymity and transparency is hindered by the lack of legal accountability. Current network identifiers cannot facilitate essential functions like opening bank accounts, democratic voting, or accessing credit facilities.
4. RNS: A Solution to These Challenges: The Root Name System (RNS) is the world's first blockchain-based digital residency platform, blending Web3 identification privacy and security with the capabilities and reality of global sovereignty. RNS aims to create a borderless world supporting a new generation of global digital existence.
   ‍

Application Process for Palau’s Digital Citizenship

• Applications are submitted through the RNS portal.
• The process includes identity verification, profile confirmation, and screening for KYC/AML and criminal backgrounds. Approval takes up to 10 days.
• Government approval from Palau is required, followed by printing and shipping of the ID card.
  ‍

Frequently Asked Questions

• RNS: A digital identity platform supporting sovereignty-backed digital IDs.
• Palau ID: A government-issued ID card for legal identity proof.
• Legal Decentralized ID (L-DID): A blockchain-based ID solution enabling users to complete third-party KYC verification.
• RNS Points: A rewards system for community members, redeemable for various benefits.
• Uses of Palau ID: Accepted for KYC in exchanges, hotel check-ins, and more.
• Digital Residency Benefits: Includes zero income tax on non-Palauan income and potential future services like digital banking and voice/text services.
• Pricing and Payment: Various options including cryptocurrencies and international credit cards.
  ‍

This initiative by Palau is a pioneering step in redefining citizenship and identity in the digital age. It offers a glimpse into a future where national boundaries are less relevant, and digital identity holds sovereign legitimacy. As the world navigates through the complexities of digital transformation, Palau's digital citizenship program stands as a beacon of innovation and possibility.