(1) The object of the Authority is to create, maintain, provide and promote the use of national identity cards in order to advance economic, political and social activities in the country.

(2) To achieve its object, the Authority shall

(a) collect personal data;

(i) on citizens resident in the Republic and abroad, and

(ii) on foreign nationals permanently resident in the country,

(b) ensure the accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and security of data collected by the Authority,

(c) issue national identity cards to

(i) citizens, and

(ii) foreign nationals permanently resident in the country,

(d) make data in its custody available to persons or institutions authorised by law to access the data, and

(e) perform other functions ancillary to or related to the functions specified in this subsection or assigned to it under this Act or any other enactment.

(3) National identity cards issued under this Act, shall be used in transactions which require identification.

(4) The Authority shall publish periodically in the Gazette as prescribed in the regulations, a list of the State institutions which utilise data generated by the Authority.